South Africa’s government has condemned the spread of what it described as “fake videos and images” purporting to show attacks on foreign nationals, as diplomatic tensions rise over claims of renewed xenophobic violence in the country.
The response follows letters and warnings from several African governments, including Ghana and Nigeria, expressing concern for the safety of their citizens in South Africa. Ghana has formally written to the African Union, calling for the issue to be discussed and describing it as a “serious risk to the safety and wellbeing” of Africans in the country. Nigeria has also raised the matter and said it is prepared to repatriate its nationals if necessary. Kenya, Malawi, Lesotho and Zimbabwe have similarly advised their citizens to remain vigilant.
The controversy was triggered about two weeks ago when video clips circulated online appearing to show vigilante groups confronting people suspected of being in South Africa illegally. One clip reportedly showed a Ghanaian man being challenged over his immigration status and told to “fix his country.”
Briefing journalists on Thursday after a cabinet meeting, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the footage was “fake” and intended to damage South Africa’s international reputation and its commitment to African unity. She did not specify which videos she was referring to.
Thousands of South Africans have recently taken part in largely peaceful protests in major cities demanding the deportation of undocumented migrants, citing pressure on jobs, housing and crime. Ntshavheni said citizens have a right to protest the “spiralling illegal immigration challenge” but stressed that any violence linked to the demonstrations is unacceptable.
While acknowledging that foreigners have been victims of crime, she attributed this to general criminal activity rather than xenophobia, and said police should handle such cases. “There are no xenophobic attacks in South Africa,” she said, echoing President Cyril Ramaphosa’s earlier remarks that the country remains “welcoming” and that South Africans are “open, friendly and warm.”
Ghana has called for an AU fact-finding mission to South Africa, arguing that the situation undermines “African solidarity, brotherhood, and continental unity.” The South African government has said it “has nothing to hide” and is stepping up diplomatic engagement to address concerns across the continent.
