South Africa is experiencing a renewed surge of xenophobic violence and anti-migrant sentiment, raising concerns about the country’s social cohesion and political stability. This wave of unrest culminated recently with thousands of demonstrators marching on what campaign groups designated as a deadline for migrants to leave the country. In the weeks leading up to this, more than 25,000 migrants reportedly left South Africa, some evacuated by their home countries out of fear for their safety.

Instances of violence have drawn attention across the region. Mozambique has reported the deaths of five of its nationals in anti-foreigner attacks in May, while Ghana has confirmed the killing of a citizen just last week. Some migrant communities have faced additional challenges, including restricted access to health and social services under the influence of groups such as Operation Dudula and March & March, which actively campaign against foreign nationals.

South African official data estimate that migrants constitute fewer than 5% of the population—roughly three million people—though some campaigners claim the actual number is significantly higher. Regardless of precise figures, many migrants assert that legal documentation, long-term residence, and familial ties to South African citizens offer little safeguard against intimidation and violence.

The underlying tensions are intensified by broader socioeconomic issues facing South Africa, including an unemployment rate exceeding 40%, deep inequality, high crime rates, and strained public services. These conditions have led some poorer South Africans to scapegoat migrants, accusing them of taking jobs, breaking laws, and straining health and education systems.

Experts monitoring xenophobic developments suggest that the anti-migrant movement is not merely a spontaneous response from marginalized communities but also a politically orchestrated phenomenon. Jean Pierre Misago and Loren Landau, founders of the Xenowatch platform, argue that vigilante groups and certain state actors contribute jointly to the exclusionary climate through both direct actions and tacit support. The months leading to local elections in November have intensified scrutiny about which political factions stand to benefit. Opposition party ActionSA representatives have voiced support for vigorous measures against illegal migration, while associates linked to former President Jacob Zuma and the uMkhonto we Sizwe party have been connected to the March & March movement.

The response from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s administration has sought to balance competing pressures. The government has launched efforts to clamp down on illegal migration while simultaneously condemning violence and xenophobia. Nonetheless, many critics contend that officials have tended to frame the unrest primarily as a law enforcement issue rather than acknowledging its broader social and political dimensions.

Observers note a troubling departure from South Africa’s historical identity forged during the anti-apartheid struggle, a movement that emphasized unity and solidarity across African nations. The current climate of exclusion and hostility toward migrants risks undermining diplomatic ties within the continent, damaging tourism, trade, and investment prospects, and diminishing South Africa’s appeal as a destination for skilled and hardworking workers. Experts warn that targeting migrants as a solution to socioeconomic problems is likely to exacerbate rather than resolve the challenges facing the country.