ANC warns xenophobic politics is damaging South Africa’s future

JOHANNESBURG – THE African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has launched a strong attack on anti-immigrant mobilisation, warning that the recent protests have inflicted lasting damage on South Africa’s international reputation and risk isolating the country from the rest of Africa.

In a statement on the migration debate, Mbalula said groups operating “under an anti-immigrant banner” had attempted to paralyse parts of the country at the end of June but failed to achieve their objective.

“They were contained, and the shutdown they promised did not break the back of the Republic,” he said.

However, he warned that “there was a cost to the good name South Africa has built since 1912”, accusing organisers of undermining confidence among tourists, investors and African partners.

“The organisers and funders must understand: they are eroding our standing as a safe home for the tourist and the investor, and isolating us from our own continent,” Mbalula said.

“When South Africa stands alone, it will not succeed.”

His remarks follow months of anti-migrant protests led by the March and March movement, whose demonstrations demanding the removal of undocumented migrants have, in several communities, been accompanied by attacks on foreign-owned businesses, looting, intimidation and forced displacement.

Rights groups estimate that more than 160,000 African migrants have fled affected areas since March, while at least four people have been killed and many others assaulted or robbed.

Thousands of shops owned by migrants from countries including Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Somalia, Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo have reportedly been looted or destroyed.

Mbalula stressed that immigration enforcement must remain the responsibility of the state rather than vigilante groups.

He said authorities had deported around 72,000 undocumented migrants, but warned employers who knowingly hire undocumented workers that they were depressing wages, undermining tax revenues and fuelling community tensions.

He also urged South Africans not to be drawn into vigilantism. “Take your grievance to the ballot, not the streets,” he said.

The violence has triggered growing diplomatic fallout. Nigeria is compiling compensation claims on behalf of its citizens who lost businesses, homes and livelihoods during the attacks, while Ghanaian campaigners have petitioned the International Criminal Court over years of xenophobic violence.

Malawi has also repatriated affected nationals amid growing regional concern.

Tourism operators have likewise warned that images of attacks on African migrants threaten South Africa’s reputation as a welcoming destination, potentially discouraging visitors and investment at a time when the sector remains a vital source of jobs and foreign exchange.

Against that backdrop, Mbalula said the ANC’s proposed Continental Compact on Migration sought to address migration through lawful enforcement, regional cooperation and economic development rather than fear, division and violence.

– CAJ News