'Politically expedient around the world': Immigrants in South Africa face wrath of xenophobia
Genie Godula is pleased to welcome Aimée-Noel Mbiyozo, Senior Research Consultant at the Institute for Security Studies (ISS). South Africa's recurring waves of anti migrant mobilisation reveal a deep
Genie Godula is pleased to welcome Aimée-Noel Mbiyozo, Senior Research Consultant at the Institute for Security Studies (ISS). South Africa's recurrin
Read Full Story at France 24 →Why This Matters
South Africa’s recurring xenophobic violence serves as a stark reminder that migration remains a politically volatile issue globally, where short-term electoral gains often outweigh long-term social stability. The targeting of immigrants exposes systemic failures in governance, revealing how vulnerable populations become scapegoats for deeper economic frustrations rather than beneficiaries of inclusive policy solutions.
Background Context
South Africa’s post-apartheid economy, despite its relative prosperity compared to much of the continent, has struggled to integrate its own citizens into formal employment, leaving many in precarious informal sectors. The arrival of migrants—particularly from neighboring countries—has been framed as a threat to scarce resources, a narrative that has been exploited by political factions to mobilize disaffected voters without addressing structural unemployment.
What Happens Next
Without meaningful economic reforms or a shift in political rhetoric, further cycles of violence are likely, with migrants remaining disproportionately targeted during periods of economic strain. International pressure may force temporary crackdowns, but sustainable change would require addressing the root causes of both migration and local unemployment, a task complicated by South Africa’s fragile political coalitions.
Bigger Picture
Xenophobia is not unique to South Africa; it mirrors rising anti-immigrant sentiment across democracies where populist leaders capitalize on public anxieties over globalization and economic inequality. The pattern underscores a global failure to reconcile the benefits of migration with the need for equitable economic policies that protect vulnerable populations on all sides.
