Why are anti-immigrant attacks increasing in South Africa?

The recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa follow renewed anti-immigration demonstrations that have been driven by the citizen-led March and March movement and supported by groups like Operation Dudula and political parties like the Inkatha Freedom Party and Patriotic Alliance, and members of ActionSA and uMkhonto we Sizwe. These groups have accused undocumented immigrants of contributing to unemployment, crime,  overcrowding in schools and hospitals, and housing shortages. Demonstrations have taken place in major cities, including Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Durban, with some activists calling for mass deportations and stricter immigration enforcement. 

The rise in anti-immigrant sentiment comes amid deep economic pressures in South Africa, where the unemployment rate stands at nearly 33%, and poverty and inequality continue to shape daily life more than three decades after the end of apartheid. In many townships and low-income urban areas, undocumented immigrants are increasingly portrayed as competitors for jobs, business opportunities, and state resources. 

Political rhetoric has also contributed to the climate. Several political parties and public figures have increasingly adopted anti-immigration messaging ahead of the country’s municipal elections in November, framing undocumented immigration as a threat to economic stability and public safety.

South Africa has experienced waves of xenophobic attacks since 2008. The recent attacks ahead of a 30 June deadline given by anti-illegal immigration groups for undocumented immigrants to leave South Africa are increasing fears of another wave of violent xenophobic violence.