South Africa’s government has pushed back against growing claims that the country is becoming increasingly hostile toward foreign nationals, warning that manipulated online content is being used to fuel tensions, encourage violence, and undermine social stability.
Speaking at a media briefing in Pretoria on Sunday, the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration said a wave of misleading videos, recycled footage, and digitally altered images has been circulating across social media platforms in recent weeks.
The briefing formed part of an update on the implementation of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s newly announced migration strategy, which was unveiled during a national address earlier this month.
Government officials said progress had already been made in rolling out several migration-related interventions. However, they expressed concern that misinformation surrounding migration was creating a distorted perception of both the country and its policies.
Disinformation blamed for fuelling tensions
According to the committee, many of the videos and images gaining traction online are either outdated, staged, or heavily edited. Authorities believe these materials are being deliberately shared to provoke fear, inflame public anger, and encourage attacks against foreign nationals.
Officials warned that such campaigns often seek to connect complex issues such as unemployment, crime, and economic hardship directly to migrants without evidence, creating a misleading narrative that risks deepening social divisions.
The government argued that misinformation has become one of the most significant contributors to instability in communities, particularly at a time when migration remains a sensitive public issue across the country.
South Africa has experienced periodic outbreaks of anti-immigrant violence over the past two decades, often linked to economic pressures and competition for jobs. Authorities have repeatedly stated that long-term social and economic challenges require comprehensive solutions rather than blame directed at specific communities.
Government stresses rule of law and regional cooperation
The committee also rejected suggestions that South Africa is inherently xenophobic, describing the country as one that has historically welcomed people from across Africa and other parts of the world.
Officials pointed to South Africa’s commitment to the African Union’s Agenda 2063 framework, which promotes continental integration, mobility, and shared development. They further emphasised that the country remains bound by international migration agreements and global conventions that support human rights, equality, and the rule of law.
While acknowledging public concerns surrounding illegal immigration, the government reiterated that migration management would continue to be guided by constitutional principles and legal processes.
Authorities called on undocumented migrants currently residing in South Africa to comply with immigration laws and noted that cooperation with several foreign governments is ongoing to facilitate the voluntary return of their citizens.
The committee also urged employers to respect both labour and immigration regulations, warning that violations contribute to broader challenges within the migration system.
Concluding the briefing, officials appealed to South Africans to reject vigilantism and avoid being influenced by misleading content circulating online. Instead, they encouraged communities to work alongside government institutions in maintaining stability and promoting social cohesion.
As migration remains a major topic of national debate, authorities say balancing border management, economic realities, constitutional rights, and regional cooperation will remain central to South Africa’s policy approach in the years ahead.
Source: The Citizen