The Christian Science Monitor

As migration to South Africa swells, one man helps bridge cultural divides

Activist Marc Gbaffou (c.) is among those paying respect while the South African national anthem is sung.

Marc Gbaffou is the go-to guy for migrants in South Africa when they’re dealing with problems, especially threats of violence.

As chairman of the African Diaspora Forum (ADF), a nonprofit organization he founded a decade ago to safeguard the rights of migrants and asylum-seekers, he’s keenly interested in the welfare of the millions of such individuals living and working in South Africa.

And they aren’t shy about approaching him. While Mr. Gbaffou was taking part in an interview, the interruptions were constant, as migrant after migrant sought the activist’s attention.

They wanted to do everything from obtain guidance on South Africa’s migration policy and complain about ill treatment and institutional harassment, to raise the alarm about brewing attacks and pour out concerns about various moves by government officials.

“Everyone wants a piece of him, and he

How to take action

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from The Christian Science Monitor

The Christian Science Monitor3 min read
A Primer On Climate Change That Tackles Both Hope And Despair
The letter C might be for Climate Change. But it is also for Complicated. And Challenging.  Such is the take-away from “H Is for Hope: Climate Change From A to Z.” This alphabetical collection of essays, written by Elizabeth Kolbert and vividly illus
The Christian Science Monitor4 min readWorld
Israeli Protesters Are Back On Their Feet. Missing Is A Unified Voice.
At the intersection of Tel Aviv’s Kaplan and Begin streets, some demonstrators were putting up posters that called for immediate elections. Thousands of others, wrapped in Israeli flags or beating drums, listened to a speaker urging the military cons
The Christian Science Monitor2 min read
Charting The Rise Of Plastic Pollution – And Solutions
Plastic is nearly everywhere.  Scientists have detected microplastics from the peak of Mount Everest and the depths of the Marianas Trench to the air we breathe and the water we drink. The challenge for humanity, then, is how to clean up our own mess

Related Books & Audiobooks