Protest to Vigilantism: South Africa’s Anti-Immigration Crisis

Key takeaways

• Anti-immigration tensions in South Africa have intensified, with groups calling for stricter immigration enforcement and the removal of undocumented migrants.

• Reports of vigilante activity, business closures, and attacks on migrant communities have raised concerns over a potential escalation in the unrest.

• Regional fallout is growing, with Ghana and Mozambique repatriating citizens, while several African governments issue warnings to nationals in South Africa.

• Continued instability could increase security, operational, and reputational risks for businesses operating in affected areas.

Historical context

Anti-immigration violence in South Africa is nothing new. Since the end of apartheid in 1994, recurring waves of xenophobic unrest have periodically targeted migrant communities, particularly during periods of economic hardship, political frustration, and high unemployment. The Georgetown Journal of International Affairs links xenophobic violence in South Africa to post-apartheid inequality, unemployment, and socio-economic frustration. During the 2008 xenophobic riots, 62 people were killed and thousands displaced, with further outbreaks occurring in 2015 and 2016. Public attitudes toward migrants have deteriorated significantly in recent years, particularly in areas experiencing unemployment and economic hardship. Migrants are blamed for issues including crime and pressure on public services, with anti-immigration movements increasingly being amplified by these issues, due to perceptions that migrants are to blame.

Escalation of anti-immigration mobilisation

Recent demonstrations organised by groups such as March and March have called for stricter immigration enforcement and the removal of undocumented migrants by 30 June 2026. The movement argues that the government has failed to adequately address illegal immigration and wider security concerns. March and March and other anti-immigration groups, such as Operation Dudula, have intensified protests and vigilante-style activity targeting foreign nationals in many cities, including Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Durban. Community organisations have reported harassment, unlawful evictions, workplace discrimination, police extortion, and the denial of access to healthcare affecting migrants and refugees.

The recent anti-immigration mobilisation appears to be evolving beyond protest activity into informal enforcement. Reports from Mossel Bay and Durban describe vigilante groups checking identification documents and forcing migrant-owned businesses to close. It was also reported that tensions in Mossel Bay had reached a tipping point over allegations of undocumented migrants being employed at local construction companies, leading to roughly 55 shacks being set ablaze, allegedly with people still inside.

Human rights organisations have warned that the current anti-immigration mobilisation risks repeating patterns seen during previous outbreaks of xenophobic violence in South Africa. Human Rights Watch has reported that vigilante groups linked to recent protests have targeted African and Asian foreign nationals in Pretoria, Johannesburg, and Durban. The organisation also noted that anti-immigrant groups had blocked migrants from accessing healthcare and education facilities despite a South Gauteng High Court injunction against Operation Dudula supporters in 2025. Amnesty International similarly documented how anti-migrant vigilante violence in areas such as Diepsloot in 2022 left migrants living in “constant fear”. The organisation highlighted the killing of Zimbabwean national Elvis Nyathi, who was reportedly burned to death after failing to produce identification documents during unrest, while also noting that at least seven people were reportedly killed by vigilante groups during that period. The incidents highlight how quickly anti-immigration activism in South Africa has escalated into organised violence in previous years, raising concerns that renewed mobilisation could once again contribute to instability, displacement, and insecurity for migrant communities.

Regional fallout

The current unrest has contributed to growing regional concerns. Mozambique has confirmed that five of its nationals were killed during recent unrest in Mossel Bay, although South African police later stated that the deaths of two Mozambican nationals had been recorded. Mozambique also reported that around 300 citizens had already returned home, while more than 500 others were being sheltered pending repatriation. Ghana has similarly begun evacuating citizens from South Africa, with reports suggesting roughly 800 Ghanaians registered for repatriation amid fears of escalating violence. Kenya, Malawi, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe have warned citizens in South Africa to remain vigilant.

The instability is beginning to generate wider regional tensions. Nigeria has warned against retaliatory attacks targeting South African businesses and nationals, recalling previous outbreaks of xenophobic violence that triggered unrest against South African-linked businesses elsewhere on the continent. Additionally, Ghana has intensified diplomatic pressure on Pretoria by issuing a travel advisory urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel to South Africa and by formally raising concerns through diplomatic channels and the African Union. The government has called on South African authorities to strengthen protections for foreign nationals, while also seeking greater continental attention to the issue. These developments highlight how domestic unrest in South Africa is increasingly generating diplomatic and political repercussions across the region.

Business impacts

South Africa remains one of Africa’s most strategically important economies due to its developed infrastructure, regional trade connectivity, and comparatively advanced business environment relative to many neighbouring states. Its strategic location, financial infrastructure, and role as a gateway into wider African markets continue to attract investment despite recurring instability. However, recurring unrest and anti-immigration mobilisation increasingly present operational and security risks for businesses operating in the country. According to reports from Mossel Bay and Durban, migrant-owned businesses have been forced to close amid vigilante activity and fears of escalating violence. Al Jazeera has also reported cases of informal traders and shop owners being looted or forced to abandon their homes and businesses during unrest linked to anti-migrant mobilisation.

The unrest risks creating a more volatile operating environment for businesses in South Africa, particularly in economically vulnerable urban areas. Foreign-owned businesses, informal traders, logistics operators, and companies reliant on migrant labour may face elevated exposure should unrest intensify further, while repeated scenes of anti-immigration unrest, vigilantism, and regional diplomatic tensions risk undermining investor confidence and perceptions of long-term stability. More broadly, the developments reflect growing global concerns around how economic pressures, political frustration, and rising social tensions are increasingly contributing to protests, civil unrest, and operational disruption for businesses.