Refugees and asylum seekers in South Africa report growing fear as xenophobic attacks increase and calls to expel undocumented migrants intensify [1, 2, 3].

This surge in hostility threatens the stability of vulnerable populations in major urban centers. The escalating tension reflects a deepening crisis of safety for those seeking international protection within the region [1, 5, 6].

Residents in cities such as Johannesburg and Pretoria have described a climate of pervasive dread [1, 3, 6]. This environment is characterized by rising hostility toward non-citizens, particularly those from other African nations [1, 2].

Wivine Bahati, a Congolese refugee, has lived in South Africa for 15 years [1]. Despite her long residency, the current atmosphere of intolerance has heightened the risk for individuals in her position.

Activists, including Thandile Jojozi, point to systemic failures as a primary driver of the violence [1]. They said the root causes of migration remain unaddressed by African leaders and international bodies, leaving migrants exposed to local anger [1, 4, 5].

The friction is largely driven by perceived competition for limited resources and employment opportunities [1, 4, 5]. This economic anxiety often manifests as targeted aggression against undocumented migrants and legal refugees alike [2, 5].

Calls for the mass deportation of undocumented individuals have grown louder in recent reports [2, 5]. Such rhetoric often precedes waves of physical violence and social unrest in densely populated urban areas [3, 6].

While South Africa has a legal framework for asylum, the gap between policy and public sentiment continues to widen. The persistent threat of xenophobic violence creates a precarious existence for those who have fled conflict in their home countries [3, 7].

“Refugees and asylum seekers in South Africa report growing fear as xenophobic attacks increase.”

The rise in xenophobic sentiment in South Africa highlights the intersection of economic instability and migration. When domestic populations perceive migrants as competitors for scarce jobs and resources, political rhetoric favoring expulsion can trigger real-world violence. This cycle suggests that without a coordinated effort from African leadership to address regional displacement and economic disparities, legal protections for refugees may be insufficient to ensure their physical safety.