South Africa is facing renewed scrutiny over rising xenophobic attitudes and violence against African migrants, as tensions persist amid high unemployment and economic challenges. The issue gained particular attention during the recent World Cup opening match when many African fans supported Mexico over South Africa, with social media memes highlighting concerns about job competition and xenophobia in the country.

Foreign-born residents in South Africa, estimated to number between 2.5 million and 3 million—about 4 to 5 percent of the population—frequently face hostility, particularly in township areas. Migrants are often blamed for taking jobs from locals and linked to criminal activity, fueling resentment. This tension occasionally escalates into violent protests, with vigilante groups targeting foreign-owned spaza shops, homes, and individuals, resulting in injuries and fatalities. Critics point to political rhetoric and inadequate law enforcement as factors that exacerbate the problem.

South Africa is not unique in experiencing such anti-migrant sentiments. Similar dynamics, often driven by economic uncertainty, competition for housing and services, and cultural anxieties, have triggered unrest globally, including recent riots in Northern Ireland following an incident involving a Sudanese man. Within the African continent, xenophobic actions have occurred historically; for example, Nigeria expelled over two million migrants in 1983, mainly Ghanaians, an episode remembered through the term “Ghana Must Go” bags used by those fleeing.

The xenophobic environment is particularly concerning given South Africa’s need to attract foreign investment, skilled workers, and tourists. Many migrants contribute to the economy through employment and entrepreneurship, often bringing higher levels of education compared to local populations—a disparity attributed to shortcomings in South Africa’s education system. Hostility towards migrants, therefore, is viewed by some analysts as reflective more of South Africa’s internal socio-economic challenges than of the migrants themselves.

Endemic unemployment remains a core issue, with roughly one-third of the workforce and about half of young people unable to find work. Critics fault the ruling African National Congress (ANC) for failing over three decades to implement effective job creation policies, often prioritizing wealth redistribution over economic growth. Some argue that migrants’ greater employability may also stem from their willingness to accept lower wages and less favorable labor conditions.

While South Africa has the right to manage illegal immigration, experts emphasize the practical benefits of adhering to pan-African principles, including commitments to free trade and the free movement of goods and services across the continent. Such integration efforts aim to transform Africa’s 54 diverse economies into a unified market of approximately 1.6 billion people, creating opportunities for scale and specialization that could benefit South Africa’s well-established banking, telecommunications, and retail sectors.

Policymakers are urged to promote this message and address domestic economic challenges to enable South Africans to compete effectively and reduce social tensions. Achieving this balance is seen as essential for fostering regional cooperation and ensuring sustainable development amid demographic and economic shifts across Africa.