Former President Thabo Mbeki has alleged that recent anti-foreigner protests and calls for a national shutdown in South Africa are being supported by hidden financial backers and organised interests rather than emerging spontaneously from public frustration.
Speaking during a National Democratic Revolution (NDR) seminar, Mbeki argued that the growing mobilisation against undocumented foreign nationals forms part of broader “counter-revolutionary” forces that seek to divide South African society and weaken the country’s position on the African continent.
His remarks come after months of demonstrations calling for stricter action against undocumented migrants, including nationwide protests held on 30 June.
Organised campaign or public frustration?
Public concern over illegal immigration has intensified during the past year, with protest groups such as March and March, led by Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, organising demonstrations across several provinces.
The movement demanded that undocumented foreign nationals leave South Africa by 30 June 2026 and encouraged coordinated protests nationwide.
Concerned about the possibility of unrest similar to the July 2021 riots, President Cyril Ramaphosa authorised heightened security measures ahead of the demonstrations.
Government allocated approximately R600 million to strengthen police and military deployments in identified hotspots while also engaging community leaders, traditional leaders and protest organisers in an effort to prevent violence.
Although the protests did not escalate into nationwide unrest on the scale many had feared, isolated incidents resulted in damage, fatalities and business disruption.
Following the demonstrations, Ngobese-Zuma stated that 30 June had not represented the movement’s intended national shutdown and warned that further protests could follow if government failed to address concerns about undocumented migration within three months.
Mbeki warns against misinformation and division
Mbeki argued that the anti-foreigner campaign should not be viewed purely as a grassroots movement, claiming there are organised interests seeking to mobilise public anger for broader political objectives.
Without identifying specific individuals or organisations, he suggested that funding and coordination behind the protests point to a deliberate effort to influence public opinion and increase hostility toward foreign nationals.
He also expressed concern that rising anti-immigration sentiment has damaged South Africa’s reputation elsewhere on the continent.
Referring to reactions during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Mbeki said some African supporters appeared to back Mexico rather than South Africa, arguing that misinformation has contributed to growing negative perceptions of the country.
According to Mbeki, isolating South Africa from the rest of Africa would ultimately benefit those pursuing broader political objectives.
Similar concerns have been raised by the Presidency.
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya recently said government has observed what it describes as a sustained misinformation campaign attempting to portray South Africa as increasingly isolated from other African nations.
Magwenya maintained that government continues to oppose vigilantism against foreign nationals while remaining committed to enforcing immigration laws within the framework of the Constitution.
He added that South Africa’s recent diplomatic engagements demonstrate that the country continues to maintain strong bilateral and regional relationships despite criticism surrounding its immigration challenges.
Mbeki’s comments add another dimension to South Africa’s ongoing debate over illegal immigration, national security and social cohesion as government balances stronger immigration enforcement with constitutional protections and regional diplomatic commitments.
Source: National Democratic Revolution seminar; Presidency of South Africa.