Xenophobia remains a pressing issue in South Africa, with periodic outbreaks of violence against foreign nationals, particularly from other African countries. The phenomenon is often fueled by high unemployment, inequality, and scapegoating, as some locals blame immigrants for crime and job scarcity.
According to reports from Human Rights Watch and local news sources, attacks on foreign-owned shops and communities have occurred in hotspots like Johannesburg and Durban. In 2025, the South African government condemned such violence and called for dialogue, but underlying tensions persist.
Experts note that hate and blame are easier than addressing structural problems like poverty and lack of services. Organizations like the African Centre for Migration & Society advocate for integration and fact-based public discourse to counter misinformation.
