As attacks on migrants resurface in parts of South Africa, critics are questioning whether the government's response to xenophobia is working.
South Africa faced Repeated outbreaks of violence targeting migrants From Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Somalia, Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, Ghana and Zambia. Earlier this month, Nigeria Acting High Commissioner of South Africa summonedCiting growing anti-African anti-immigrant protests.
More than 60 people died in anti-immigrant riots in 2008, while similar unrest re-emerged in 2015 and 2016. Armed mobs attacked foreign-owned businesses around downtown Johannesburg in 2019, killing at least 12 people – 10 of them South African citizens.
Migration blamed for deep crises
Violence is often linked to frustration over unemployment, crime, overcrowded services and poor living conditions – grievances that are often directed towards migrants.
Supporters of Operation Dudula, which campaigns against undocumented migration, are calling for greater enforcement. Critics accuse it of promoting xenophobic sentimentMohammed Shiraz/dpa/Picture Coalition
However, Lauren Landau, a senior migration researcher at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) African Center for Migration and Society in Johannesburg, argued that the roots go much deeper.
Landau said in an article published by Wits on May 21, “Scapegoating and demonizing migrants distracts people from the real source of South Africa's problems and destroys democracy, while putting the welfare of many people – both our own citizens and foreigners – at risk.”
He said, “Immigrants are not the source of any of South Africa's challenges. Migrants are too few to have a substantial impact on employment or crime.”
Government defends xenophobic response
The government of South Africa has said it condemns violence against foreign nationals and is working to strengthen social cohesion and migration management.
Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola recently warned citizens against taking immigration enforcement into their own hands.
Lamola told DW, “It is not the responsibility of the citizens to enforce the law.” “Where people are told, 'You are not South African, you should go home', that is xenophobia.”
Lamola rejected claims that targeting migrants would solve South Africa's economic problems.
Lamola said, “Economic challenges and unemployment issues will not be solved by chasing anyone.” “This is not just a security issue, it is an economic and social issue.”
Cabinet minister Khumbudzo Ntshavweni also defended government efforts while condemning the vigilantes.
He said, “We cannot allow someone who does not enforce the law to ask for people's passports.”
Activist groups deepen migration tensions
groups like operation dudulaWhich campaigns against undocumented migration, has become increasingly influential in public debate.
Proponents argue that undocumented migration puts pressure on jobs, health care, and housing. However, critics say such movements risk promoting xenophobia and vigilantism.
Operation Dudula member Patrick Mokgalusi defended the movement.
He called for mass deportations of illegal aliens, telling DW, “The people are in charge now because the government has failed us. There is no way to turn back now.”
Vusumuzi Sibanda, president of the refugee advocacy group African Diaspora Global Network, warned that some official responses risked worsening tensions.
Sibanda pointed to these allegations and said, “In some cases the response appears to be making the situation worse.” He pointed to allegations that vulnerable people seeking protection during the unrest were dispersed with rubber bullets.
Former South African President Thabo Mbeki has also opposed blaming undocumented immigrants for South Africa's problems.
A quote from Mbeki, which was widely shared on X, referring to his presidential successors, argued that “Jacob Zuma and Cyril Ramaphosa caused high levels of crime and unemployment, not because of illegal immigrants.” The Post states that documented migration was present during his presidency, while the economy was growing and crime was low.
Fear is increasing in migrant communities
Fear has become a part of everyday life for many migrants.
Princess Adjei, a 33-year-old Ghanaian citizen who has lived in South Africa since she was 13, said tensions are rising.
He told DW, “It's getting busy. Now it seems as if there is a war. We foreigners are not safe anywhere.” “People are frustrated and tension is increasing. Foreigners have also started responding with force. People may die.”
Moses Chanda, a Zambian entrepreneur in Johannesburg, said xenophobic violence is often triggered by rumors and misinformation.
He said, “You hear people saying that foreigners are taking over jobs or running illegal businesses.” “Then suddenly shops are looted or people are attacked.”
Nevertheless, some South Africans refuse to portray the country solely through the lens of xenophobia.
Johannesburg resident Nomsa Dlamini told DW, “Yes, there are tensions, but many communities work together every day.” “The real issue is poverty and desperation, not ordinary South African xenophobia.”
For many observers, South Africa faces increasing pressure to balance migration concerns with constitutional security and regional cohesion.
Adjei said, “We are also African.” “We are here to work and make a life, not to snatch anything from anyone.”
Thuso Khumalo in Johannesburg contributed reporting.