South Africa has pushed back against accusations of xenophobia following a wave of protests targeting undocumented migrants, insisting the demonstrations do not reflect widespread hostility toward foreigners.
Presidential spokesman Vincent Magwenya said on Wednesday that the country is not xenophobic, describing the incidents as isolated protests permitted under constitutional rights.
The remarks come amid recent demonstrations across several cities, including Durban, where hundreds of protesters demanded stronger government action against undocumented migrants involved in small-scale businesses.
Some earlier protests had also called for restrictions on undocumented foreigners’ access to public healthcare facilities, including clinics and hospitals.
The developments have drawn concern from other African nations, with Nigeria announcing emergency repatriation plans for its citizens and urging Pretoria to address rising anti-immigrant tensions. Ghana also summoned South Africa’s envoy over reported incidents.
Magwenya said African countries must collectively address the root causes of migration, including conflict, instability, and poor governance, which force citizens to seek opportunities abroad.
He added that labelling South Africa as xenophobic was an oversimplification that risks unfairly damaging the country’s image.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa had earlier discussed migration challenges with Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo, with both leaders agreeing on the need for continental cooperation to tackle the underlying drivers of migration.
