Xenophobia in South Africa is driven by a complex mix of socioeconomic grievances and political opportunism, manifesting in vigilantism and anti-migrant campaigns. Key actors and movements fanning these tensions include:
March and March: An anti-migrant movement leading the recent wave of protests and vigilante actions. Prominent organizers and digital activists—such as former Durban radio presenter Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma and traditional leader Nkosikhona Ndabandaba—have championed these efforts, utilizing social media to stage marches and set arbitrary deadlines for undocumented immigrants to leave the country.
Political Parties: Several politicians and political factions have incorporated anti-migrant rhetoric into their campaigns.
Leaders from organizations like ActionSA, the Patriotic Alliance, and uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) have been accused of adopting or courting these anti-foreigner platforms to win votes and direct public anger.
Grassroots Vigilante Groups: Groups like Operation Dudula operate locally, often taking the law into their own hands to demand documentation, evict suspected illegal immigrants, and raid foreign-owned businesses.
Socioeconomic Scapegoating: Underlying the targeted violence are widespread feelings of economic frustration, high unemployment, inadequate public services, and crime. Analysts emphasize that foreign nationals are being used as scapegoats by elites to distract from the broader failures of the country’s political and economic systems.