A rise in anti-immigrant protests, incidents of violence, and online campaigns targeting foreign nationals in South Africa during May 2026 have prompted several African governments to assist citizens seeking to leave the country. Recent incidents have prompted renewed concern across the region and revived debate about migration, public safety, and economic pressures in Africa’s most industrialized economy.
South Africa has experienced recurring outbreaks of anti-immigrant violence since the end of apartheid in 1994. Major incidents in 2008, 2015, and 2019 resulted in deaths, injuries, and the displacement of foreign nationals, particularly migrants from other African countries. While the causes remain debatable, analysts have frequently linked such outbursts to high unemployment, economic inequality, political rhetoric by the present coalition government, and perception among some South Africans that migrants are taking away their jobs.
In recent years, anti-immigrant activism has increasingly moved online. Campaigns calling for stricter immigration controls gained presence on social media and helped bring together networks of activists, political figures, and advocacy groups. Operation Dudula, an anti-immigration movement, became prominent and turned into a political party through demonstrations focused on undocumented migration, calling for tighter enforcement of immigration laws. Critics, however, have accused such movements of contributing to hostility toward migrants and asylum seekers.
Researchers and journalists have reported a notable increase in anti-immigrant messaging during 2026. According to analysis published by the Daily Maverick, coordinated online networks amplified narratives linking migration to crime, unemployment, and government shortcomings. The report found that these campaigns were built on networks that had developed over several years rather than emerging in response to a single event.
The issue gained additional attention on April 2026 following the disappearance of South African citizen Mazwi Kubheka. Online posts about the case spread widely on social media, where some activists portrayed it as evidence of broader problems associated with undocumented migration. Although authorities later stated that both South African and foreign suspects were implicated in the alleged kidnapping, the case became a focal point for online discussions about migration and public safety.
The ongoing tensions have produced regional consequences. In late May, Ghana began a voluntary repatriation program that returned nearly 300 of its citizens from South Africa, citing concerns about threats directed at Ghanaian nationals. Hundreds more reportedly registered to leave, while Nigeria announced measures to assist its citizens seeking to return home.
Concerns intensified further after violence in the town of Mossel Bay during the final days of May. Mozambican authorities reported that five of their citizens were killed, while South African police confirmed the deaths of two Mozambican nationals. Hundreds of people were displaced and homes were destroyed during the unrest. Mozambique subsequently began assisting citizens wishing to return home, while several neighboring countries issued advisories urging caution.
South African authorities, including President Cyril Ramaphosa, have repeatedly condemned attacks on foreign nationals and stated that immigration laws should be enforced through legal processes. The recent violence has nevertheless prompted renewed concerns about migrant safety across the region.
Read more about South Africa: South Africa: Gender-Based Violence Declared a National Disaster
Read more about the issue of migration: The Role of Digital Tools in Labor Migration: The Case of North Africa
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