South Africa on edge ahead of anti-migrant protests
Skip next section Why some South Africans have turned on African migrants 06/30/2026 June 30, 2026 Why some South Africans have turned on African migrants
Skip next section Why some South Africans have turned on African migrants 06/30/2026 June 30, 2026 Why some South Africans have turned on African migrants Protesters in South Africa are demanding undocumented foreigners leave by Tuesday, amid fears that planned anti-immigrant rallies could turn violent. Citizen-led groups have backed the unofficial deadline after weeks of unrest, including attacks on migrant-owned businesses.
South Africa, one of Africa's largest economies and a nation of some 65.5 million people, has long attracted migrants seeking work. Estimates put foreign-born residentsat between 2.4 to 3.1 million. But unemployment in South Africa remains among the highest in the world, with about a third of people out of work and deep inequality fueling public anger.
Are migrants to blame for South Africa’s high unemployment? To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Some activists blame migrants for crime and pressure on public services, though rights groups warn such claims risk
inflaming tensions. A Human Sciences Research Council poll conducted last year showed South Africans were more hostile towards immigrants than ever, with only one in six adults saying they would welcome all foreigners and 42% saying they would welcome none, up from a third in 2021.
The BriefWire