South Africa has accused “opportunists” of attempting to mobilise citizens to destabilise the country as demonstrations against illegal immigration spread across several major cities, raising fears of renewed xenophobic violence.
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said on Thursday that while South Africans have the right to protest, attempts to hijack public frustration for political or criminal ends posed a serious threat to national stability.
“We have seen consistent attempts to mobilise uprisings in the country. Small or minor issues are used to mobilise the uprisings. They have failed and they will fail this time around,” Ntshavheni said.
She said cabinet was concerned that some actors were exploiting genuine grievances over unemployment and economic hardship to incite hostility toward migrants and encourage tribal mobilisation.
“South Africans are within their right to protest against the spiralling illegal immigration challenge, but violence linked to those protests in the past is not acceptable and law enforcement must deal with the instigators of such violence.”
Ntshavheni condemned the circulation of fake videos and images purporting to show attacks on foreign nationals, saying the material was being used to damage South Africa’s international reputation and undermine its commitment to a “better Africa agenda.”
The warnings come amid a new wave of anti‑migrant demonstrations, with groups in cities such as Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town demanding tougher action against undocumented foreigners.
Previous episodes of xenophobic unrest in South Africa have resulted in violence, looting and deaths, particularly in informal settlements where foreign nationals are often targeted.
Ntshavheni said the government was intensifying efforts to address illegal immigration through strengthened border management under the Border Management Authority, faster deportations and action against criminal networks operating within migrant communities.
She added that the Department of Employment and Labour had been instructed to increase workplace inspections in sectors such as hospitality, trucking, construction and agriculture to ensure compliance with employment laws.
JN/APA