JOHANNESBURG – South African authorities have confirmed two Mozambican nationals were killed following anti-migrant protests at the weekend, marking the first deaths in a new wave of xenophobic violence sweeping the country.

Mozambique’s government disputed the figure, saying five of its citizens were killed “as a direct consequence of the xenophobic attacks” that flared after a march against undocumented migrants in the southern town of Mossel Bay on Friday.

South African police confirmed the two Mozambicans died after being assaulted following the march but would not say if there was a direct link to anti-migrant sentiment.

The violence reflects a troubling resurgence of xenophobic unrest in Africa’s most industrialised nation, where waves of attacks have killed dozens over the past two decades. In 2008, 62 people were killed in anti-immigrant riots and thousands displaced. Further outbreaks followed in 2015, 2016 and 2019, when at least 12 people died – 10 of them South African citizens.

Growing public anger

Mostly low-key demonstrations flared late last year when undocumented foreign nationals were blocked from accessing clinics and hospitals. Protests intensified this year with vigilante groups warning irregular migrants to leave by 30 June.

The unrest reflects growing public anger over soaring joblessness, crime and pressure on resources, with a steady influx of mostly African migrants becoming a convenient scapegoat. South Africa’s official unemployment rate stands at nearly 33% – significantly higher when discouraged job seekers are included.

Protesters have been mobilised by a loose coalition of political parties and citizen-led xenophobic vigilante movements, some fronted by men in traditional Zulu dress. Claims that migrants are behind crime and taking jobs from locals have inflamed tensions in townships strained by poverty, unemployment and weak policing.

Some political forces also appear to be using the tensions to garner support ahead of municipal elections in November.

Migrant population under pressure

There are roughly three million immigrants in South Africa, about 5.1% of the population, according to the national statistics agency. More than 63% come from neighbouring countries in the 16-member Southern African Development Community (SADC) bloc that are facing their own economic crises and political instability.

A virulent social media campaign, which includes disinformation debunked by AFP, has contributed to the spread of anti-migrant sentiment.

“The main ingredient is right-wing political opportunism,” political scientist Sandile Swana told AFP. “We are seeing a new form of black-on-black violence diverting attention from the true culprits of the economic crisis.”

Culture of impunity

Critics say weak law enforcement and limited prosecutions have entrenched a culture of impunity around xenophobic violence.

“There is no law enforcement against illegal, unlawful vigilantism and Afrophobia in South Africa, no prosecution at all,” Swana said.

William Gumede, professor of public management at the University of the Witwatersrand, said the current wave is marked by growing acceptance of xenophobic rhetoric beyond fringe groups.

“That wasn’t the case in the past, which is really a flashpoint,” he said.

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International response

Several African countries – including Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Lesotho and Zimbabwe – have urged their citizens in South Africa to exercise caution. Ghana has flown home 300 of its nationals and Nigeria announced it would also repatriate its citizens.

The United Nations said it was “deeply concerned” while Human Rights Watch criticised the inadequate response from the authorities.

South Africa’s government has rejected accusations of xenophobia and urged other African nations to address the economic and governance crises driving migration.

Mounting tensions

An order by vigilante groups for undocumented migrants to leave by 30 June has sparked alarm even though it has no legal weight. Demonstrations have been announced in the lead-up to the deadline, with groups also forcing small businesses run by foreign nationals to close.

South Africa’s international standing has been dented, undermining its post-apartheid image as a champion of human rights and African solidarity.

“The government had positioned South Africa as a moral authority but that is now heavily destroyed,” Gumede said.

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