Anti-immigrant marches in several major South African cities, including Tshwane and Johannesburg, in early May 2026 have raised concerns about xenophobia in post-apartheid South Africa. The protests, which occurred on May 2, 2026, involved hundreds of demonstrators calling for stricter immigration controls and the expulsion of undocumented migrants.
President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on May 5, 2026, condemning the violence and urging unity. He stated, 'We must not allow xenophobia to divide us. South Africa is a nation built on diversity and tolerance.' The government has deployed additional police to affected areas to prevent further clashes.
According to the South African Human Rights Commission, there has been a 30% increase in xenophobic incidents in 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. The commission has called for dialogue and community engagement to address the root causes of the tensions, including high unemployment and competition for resources.
