In recent weeks, open xenophobia has been observed in poor black settlements across various parts of South Africa, particularly in Johannesburg and Durban. Cases have been recorded where foreign nationals were subjected to brutal treatment by self-proclaimed individuals who demanded to see identification documents.
});Vigilantism refers to actions taken by private and ordinary citizens who illegally take justice into their own hands, attempting to prevent, investigate, or punish alleged offenders. These groups act independently or in coordination, possessing no legal authority. Some of these incidents were extremely brutal, including the breaking of doors and locks. Open aggression was often displayed, resulting in victims screaming in fear, sometimes in the presence of frightened parents and children.
The author describes this horror of vigilantism, which often occurs in black settlements, sometimes with the involvement of police. Many people were forcibly thrown into police vans, while the police made no attempt to stop them. Despite the constant support for the necessity of combating undocumented and therefore illegal migration, the author strongly opposes any violence.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has repeatedly called on South Africans to refrain from violence, insisting that no one should be subjected to violence by those who take justice into their own hands. However, violence is used daily across the country, and his appeals have been ignored. The question arises regarding the causes of widespread xenophobic violence and mass looting of migrant stores. On the other hand, the organization March and March, which has become the most prominent in the country in calling for strict measures against illegal immigration, has also appealed to its supporters not to engage in vigilantism.
Nevertheless, xenophobic or Afrophobic violence continues daily. The author suggests that anti-immigrant violence has acquired an irrational impulse, hating all foreigners. He emphasizes that in the crowds in black settlements, distinctions are often not made between documented and undocumented foreigners, creating the impression that all immigrants are targeted. The author believes that many South Africans, frustrated by deteriorating socio-economic conditions, poverty, unemployment, and inequality, want all foreigners to leave South Africa. This, in the author's opinion, is the greatest tragedy, as such demands contradict the constitution and are illegal.
The primary responsibility for this crisis, according to the author, lies with the South African government, specifically the African National Congress (ANC), which ruled the country until losing political power in the 2024 elections. However, the ANC cannot be entirely blamed, considering that Ramaphosa admitted that not enough had been done to combat undocumented migrants. Nevertheless, in recent weeks, the Department of Home Affairs confirmed the deportation of over 40,000 illegal migrants. Despite these efforts, a huge number of people remain undocumented. The author notes that the current unity government and the Department of Home Affairs are actively addressing this issue, but administrative delays caused by lack of resources and long-standing corruption are slowing the process.
If the situation is not resolved, it will lead to an unbearable state that could be exploited by provocateurs. This fire is the movement in black settlements demanding that all migrants leave South Africa. The author argues that progressive and revolutionary forces must unite to convince those who insist on the forced expulsion of even legally registered migrants of their error. He believes that solving this issue is the most important task for a society in deep crisis; otherwise, South Africa will plunge into an even deeper crisis, jeopardizing the democratic achievements made since 1994. The migration crisis, in the author's view, could lead to the annulment of all important democratic gains if the demands for all immigrants to leave are not addressed constructively.
This dangerous phenomenon is clearly manifested in the loud demands of protesters to immediately deport all migrants. The author believes that the country could erupt if such unfounded demands continue to be repeated in black settlements. He believes that the collective task is to change the minds of these people, and the leader of March and March, Jacinta Ngobeze-Zuma, should take on this task. If this critical issue and the dangerous situation of vigilantism are not managed, democratic achievements could be jeopardized. This constitutional democratic system is experiencing its biggest crisis in post-apartheid South Africa. The migration crisis is part of a broader crisis caused by capitalist neoliberalism, culminating in austerity budgets. The deterioration of the socio-economic situation, particularly rising unemployment, poverty, and inequality, has created a volatile environment in black settlements. The ANC, influenced by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), is largely responsible for the dominant neoliberal policies since 1994.
Foreign nationals were housed in camps near the Epping repatriation center in Cape Town because the closure of the facility left them without support.
South Africa has long ignored its border security. For over thirty years, the country has faced the problem of illegal immigration, forcing civil organizations to take responsibility for repatriating undocumented foreigners. This complex situation has led to criticism of South Africa at the continental level.
By law, only government officials have the authority to enforce immigration legislation. Nevertheless, many citizens take to the streets in protest, expressing dissatisfaction with what they perceive as a crisis caused by the presence of illegal immigrants. Although vandalism is condemned, critics argue that the South African government should be held accountable for its insufficient approach over many years.
It is estimated that more than three million undocumented immigrants reside in the country due to porous borders. The government may have had the resources to deport these individuals for years, but its efforts have been inadequate given the scale of the problem, which is exacerbated by allegations of corruption in the police and the Department of Home Affairs. Only recently is it being observed that the crisis is beginning to be addressed with due urgency.
Various nations have been forced to evacuate their citizens from South Africa under pressure from anti-immigration groups. While some countries struggle with their citizens stranded in transit camps, Ghana organized charter flights for the repatriation of its nationals. Furthermore, the West African nation advised its youth political groups to refrain from any retaliatory actions.
Recognizing the issue of illegal immigration, Ghana's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, James Gyakye Kwesi, recently called on African countries to support South Africa in resolving this crisis. There are approximately 200 South African businesses and registered companies operating in Ghana. Conflict over this issue is likely to cause both countries more economic damage than benefit.
Despite over 100 South African companies investing significant funds in Nigeria, the West African country threatened countermeasures against South Africans due to the consequences of immigration. Business proponents should not exchange their interests for human rights, but revenge is not the solution—much is at stake. It must be recognized that continued hostility will result in no winners.
In early 2026, South African investors invested about $1 billion in Nigeria. African governments must view the continental immigration crisis as a starting point, focusing collective efforts on finding solutions and determining necessary steps.
Thousands of residents took to the streets of South Africa last Tuesday as part of marches organized by anti-immigrant groups. These groups announced a deadline for undocumented citizens from other African countries. Following this event, attacks were recorded, and thousands of migrants were repatriated.
The main reason for these events is the accusation by anti-immigrant organizations that immigrants are responsible for many problems affecting a large part of the population. These problems include mass unemployment exceeding 32%, rising crime, drug trafficking, and overburdened healthcare systems.
The protests took place in several cities where a large police presence was present. Furthermore, commercial businesses remained closed on Tuesday, and public transport operated on a limited basis. At the demonstration in Durban, one of South Africa's largest cities, placards were displayed with inscriptions such as: 'Stop hiding illegal foreigners. Stop hiring and housing them.'
These unrests forced the South African authorities to announce increased measures to combat illegal immigration and warned the public against vigilantism.
According to the Mozambican government, in the latest wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, at least 283 Mozambicans were attacked, their homes were burned, and property was looted. The Mozambican government is making efforts to assist and repatriate these citizens.
On Friday, the Zimbabwean government reported that over 56,000 Zimbabwean citizens residing in neighboring South Africa returned home since late May due to a wave of xenophobic violence and anti-immigrant protests in South Africa. On the same day, about 11,000 people, mainly from Malawi and Zimbabwe, were at the border town of Musina to process departure documents.
On Saturday, the Kenyan government reported the repatriation of another 60 Kenyans from South Africa out of fear of aggression, adding to the 151 people who returned on Thursday.
Currently, a number of African governments, including those of Nigeria, Malawi, Ghana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, have organized voluntary repatriation operations, using planes and buses to transport their citizens.
Xenophobic tension is a recurring problem in South Africa. Many migrant communities have been repatriated by their own countries, such as Mozambique or Nigeria, and South Africa has faced international criticism for xenophobia. The most severe surge of xenophobia ever recorded in the country occurred in 2008, when more than 60 people died. More serious disturbances recently took place at the end of 2019, when at least 18 foreigners died.
