Recent anti-migrant marches across major South African cities, including Johannesburg and Tshwane, have drawn growing international attention, with the United Nations warning of an increase in xenophobic sentiment in the country.
The developments come amid renewed public debate about immigration, economic inequality, and governance, as various grassroots movements position themselves at the center of the issue.
The rise of coordinated anti-migrant movements
Speaking to radio host John Maytham, Ferial Haffajee, associate editor at Daily Maverick, described the emergence of groups such as “March and March” and Operation Dudula as part of a broader pattern of replication rather than innovation.
According to Haffajee, these organizations often mirror each other in structure and messaging, sometimes even acting in coordination. The rise of “March and March” followed a legal setback for Operation Dudula after a ruling by the Johannesburg High Court, suggesting a shifting but persistent anti-migrant network.
Despite their visibility, Haffajee noted that these groups struggle to mobilize large numbers on the ground. “Their presence online is far stronger than their turnout in the streets,” she said, pointing to a discrepancy between perceived and actual support.
This pattern, she argued, echoes earlier political movements associated with the era of State Capture, where organizations gained prominence through messaging and alliances rather than mass participation.
Influence beyond numbers
What sets these movements apart, however, is their access to political power. Haffajee highlighted that representatives of such groups are often able to secure meetings with government officials and receive extensive media coverage.
This visibility, she suggested, allows them to build political capital and potentially transition into formal politics. “They create a profile through exposure, which can then be leveraged into leadership roles within emerging political parties,” she explained.
The growing prominence of these groups also raises questions about the broader socio-economic context fueling their support. In many urban communities, economic disparities between migrant and local populations have become increasingly visible.
Haffajee, who lives in Johannesburg, described spending time in communities under significant economic strain. In some areas, migrant entrepreneurs have achieved relative success, while local residents continue to face unemployment and limited opportunities.
This imbalance, she said, contributes to frustration and resentment, creating fertile ground for anti-migrant narratives.
However, she cautioned against viewing migrants as the root cause of these challenges. Instead, she pointed to systemic failures within the state, including weaknesses in migration policy and the criminal justice system.
“The issue is not migration itself, but how it is managed,” Haffajee argued. “When institutions fail, social tensions inevitably rise.”
She also emphasized the importance of historical context, noting that South Africa’s economy has long relied on migrant labor. Increasing public awareness of this history, alongside more in-depth reporting on present-day realities, could play a role in countering xenophobia.
As international attention grows, the situation underscores the need for balanced policy responses that address both economic inequality and social cohesion, while resisting the politicization of migration for short-term gain.
Source: THE CITIZEN
