The Recent Waves of Xenophobic Violence in South Africa

Author: Aahana Nagwekar

May 27, 2026

HRRC strongly condemns the recent rise of xenophobic violence among citizens of various cities in South Africa. The lack of access to basic human rights such as healthcare and education is plainly unjust and a danger to migrant communities. Moreover, the HRRC calls for the South African government to do more to address this violence and increase the safety of foreign nationals.

Anti immigrant protesters out in the streets. [Image Credit: Mohamed Shiraaz/dpa/picture alliance]

In recent weeks, vigilantes across South Africa have carried out violent attacks on foreign nationals, highlighting major spikes in xenophobic violence. This increase is as a result of a citizen-led movement that especially gained traction within April and May of 2026, in which there was a greater call for immigration enforcement, especially toward undocumented immigrants. Cities in which the movement has had the biggest effect include Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Durban.

Attacks on foreign individuals are only getting worse, with some fatal results. Groups within this movement prevent migrants from obtaining access to basic rights, such as access to healthcare and education. Immigrants are being chased out of hospitals and publicly condemned, preventing elderly people, pregnant mothers, and many other communities from getting life saving medical care.

The main motives of this movement are derived from the scapegoating of foreign civilians for social and economic inequality in South Africa, from crime, to jobs. As a result, various groups are resorting to violence to attempt to drive out migrants, although various studies disprove these motives. Instead, the practice of scapegoating draws attention away from the root causes of this economic inequality, as well as delaying any solutions. 

This surge in violence has put more pressure on the South African government to respond, as there had been no official statement addressing these crimes. Just yesterday, the South African government claimed that they condemn any xenophobic violence in the country, defending their own immigration enforcement efforts. Foreign Minister Lamola further explains that migrants are not a cause of any economic problems in the region, directly disputing anti-immigrant sentiments. However, many individuals note that South African authorities should intensify efforts to protect foreign nationals, as they feel under constant threat with little to no federal help. 

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Glossary

• Condemn – indicate strong disapproval of

• Foreign Nationals – any individual who is not a citizen or a national of the host country they are residing in or visiting

• Scapegoat – a person or group made to bear the blame for others or to suffer in their place.

• Vigilantes – an individual or group who takes the law into their own hands to prevent, investigate, or punish perceived crimes without possessing official legal authority

• Xenophobic – fear or hatred of foreigners, people from different cultures, or strangers.