politics
May 8, 2026
South Africa rejects xenophobia label amid anti-immigrant protests
South Africa’s presidency has rejected claims that the country is xenophobic, as renewed anti-immigrant protests and attacks on foreign nationals draw concern from regional governments
TL;DR
- South Africa rejects the label of xenophobia, calling it a "lazy analysis" of tensions over crime and illegal immigration.
- The presidency acknowledges pockets of protest but insists they are not representative of widespread xenophobia.
- South African police are committed to acting against violence targeting foreign nationals.
- Neighboring African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, and Malawi, have raised concerns and issued safety advisories to their citizens.
- The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights has expressed "grave concern" over reports of anti-foreigner violence.
- South Africa has a history of anti-foreigner violence, with notable incidents in 2008 and 2015.
- President Ramaphosa previously warned against letting public concern over illegal immigration devolve into hatred toward foreign nationals.
- South African and Mozambican leaders agreed to collaborate on addressing the root causes of migration.