The government of South Africa has condemned the circulation of what it described as “fake videos and images” allegedly portraying attacks on foreign nationals, amid rising diplomatic tension with several African countries.
Officials said the content being shared online is misleading and aimed at damaging the country’s international reputation and its broader African cooperation agenda.
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni made the remarks following a cabinet meeting, insisting that South Africa “has nothing to hide” and rejecting claims that xenophobic violence was currently widespread.
The controversy follows the spread of social media clips over the past two weeks appearing to show vigilante groups confronting individuals suspected of being undocumented migrants. Some videos reportedly showed foreigners being told to leave or “fix their countries.”
In response, countries including Ghana and Nigeria have raised concerns. Ghana has written to the African Union requesting a fact-finding mission, while Nigeria has offered repatriation support for its citizens in South Africa.
Other countries, including Kenya, Malawi, Lesotho and Zimbabwe, have also issued advisories to their nationals living in South Africa amid fears of possible attacks.
Despite the concerns, South African authorities maintain that no verified xenophobic attacks are currently taking place, saying incidents involving foreigners are linked to general criminality rather than targeted violence.
Ntshavheni stressed that while citizens have the right to protest issues such as illegal immigration, any violence or lawlessness linked to demonstrations would not be tolerated.
Thousands of people have recently staged protests across major cities in South Africa, calling for stricter enforcement against undocumented migrants. Protesters argue that illegal immigration has contributed to pressure on jobs, housing, and crime levels.
The South African government has intensified diplomatic engagement across the continent in an effort to address growing concerns and reaffirm its commitment to African unity and cooperation.
