Xenophobia Fears Rise in South Africa as Viral Videos Show Attacks on African Migrants

Xenophobia Fears Rise in South Africa as Viral Videos Show Attacks on African Migrants

Fresh concerns over xenophobia in South Africa have emerged after viral social media videos showed groups of South Africans confronting and assaulting African immigrants, including a Ghanaian national, amid growing anti-foreigner sentiment in some communities.

In one widely circulated clip, a group of South Africans is seen questioning a Ghanaian man about his immigration status and presence in the country. A woman speaking for the group said migrants were no longer welcome.

“This thing of you guys moving from one country to another is no longer working,” she said. “We don’t want these African people anymore… we don’t want you here; we want you to fix your countries.”

The group also accused the migrant of overstaying or misusing travel documentation, while a man in the video interrogated him about his legal status and warned him to inform others to leave before facing similar treatment.

Another video shows a separate incident in which a man believed to be Ghanaian was physically assaulted by individuals reportedly linked to local residents. The footage has sparked widespread outrage online, with many users calling for arrests and stronger protection for foreign nationals.

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In a third clip, a South African man filming himself at night expressed anger over unemployment and living conditions, blaming foreign nationals for economic hardship. He said migrants were “sleeping comfortably” while locals were “out in the cold,” and insisted they should “go back to their countries.”

The videos, which began trending on Tuesday, have intensified debate around anti-immigrant violence in South Africa, a recurring issue tied to unemployment, poverty, and competition for informal jobs.

Authorities in South Africa have not yet released a full official statement on the viral footage, but police are expected to investigate incidents of assault and harassment captured in the videos, which could amount to criminal offences under South African law.

Meanwhile, tensions are rising in parts of the country. In Mthatha, a town in the Eastern Cape province, residents are reportedly preparing for protests scheduled for Thursday. Organisers say the demonstration is aimed at addressing concerns over foreign nationals in local communities and rising unemployment among South Africans.

Civil society groups and migrant rights organisations have condemned the videos, warning that such rhetoric and violence risk escalating into broader unrest. They are urging authorities to ensure the safety of all foreign nationals and uphold constitutional protections against discrimination and hate speech.

The developments have reignited continental concern over xenophobic attacks in South Africa, which have previously resulted in deaths, displacement of migrants, and diplomatic tensions across Africa.

Xenophobia Fears Rise in South Africa as Viral Videos Show Attacks on African Migrants