Tensions are rising in South Africa ahead of a planned shutdown on May 4, with xenophobic attacks on the rise, destruction of property, and calls for a “local-first” policy targeting foreign nationals.
Tensions rise in South Africa as residents pressure foreign shop owners to hire locals instead of African immigrants
(WATCH) Protesters protesting against the installation of the Nigerian king in the Eastern Cape have reportedly set fire to vehicles and buildings belonging to foreign nationals. @Sipha_KemaSA reports pic.twitter.com/g5lH1nNKu3
– Newsroom Africa (@newsroom405) 30 March 2026
South Africans are now attacking their own sisters married to foreigners.
saying that they should go back to their country with their husbands
shameful pic.twitter.com/ah3xTdbGkW
– Nigeria Stories (@NigeriaStories) 28 April 2026
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Cyril Ramaphosa, current President of South Africa