By Zingisa Mkhuma
South Africans are frequently labelled “xenophobic” or, more recently, “Afrophobic”. Yet many ordinary citizens reject these labels, arguing that they obscure legitimate concerns about crime, undocumented migration and growing pressure on already strained public services.
Before 1994, immigrants lived alongside South Africans in many communities without widespread tensions. However, in the democratic era, large numbers of undocumented migrants have entered the country, creating new social, economic and security challenges, particularly in poor communities.
For years, residents in townships and informal settlements have complained about issues ranging from drug trafficking and human trafficking to kidnappings, illicit trade and violent crime.
Yet many argue that these concerns are too often dismissed as xenophobia by sections of the media, civil society organisations and foreign-funded NGOs.
In the early years of democracy, sporadic outbreaks of violence linked to competition over housing, jobs and other scarce resources were quickly labelled as xenophobic attacks.
Critics argue that this narrative oversimplified complex social tensions and criminality, while leaving underlying grievances unresolved.
As the narrative gained traction, it became increasingly difficult for communities to voice concerns about undocumented migration without being branded xenophobic.
Meanwhile, poor South Africans continued to bear the brunt of overstretched public services. Long queues at clinics and hospitals, overcrowded classrooms and fierce competition for employment have become daily realities in many communities.
Those raising concerns about these pressures argue that the country’s porous borders and ineffective immigration system have worsened existing challenges.
Yet, they say, the burden carried by poor communities rarely receives the same attention as incidents involving foreign nationals.
Critics contend that while government inefficiency is rightly scrutinised, the additional strain caused by undocumented migration is frequently ignored. In doing so, they argue, the experiences of struggling South Africans are marginalised.
The emergence of movements such as March and March reflects growing frustration among sections of society who believe their concerns have long been ignored.
There is also a perception among some communities that crimes committed by foreign nationals receive different treatment in public discourse.
Supporters of this view point to instances where violent crimes committed by South Africans are reported simply as criminal acts, while attacks on foreign nationals are often immediately framed through the lens of xenophobia.
This perception has fuelled resentment and deepened mistrust between communities, the media and government institutions.
At the same time, critics argue that labour market dynamics cannot be ignored. Undocumented migrants are often employed in low-paid jobs under poor working conditions, creating opportunities for exploitation by unscrupulous employers while placing downward pressure on wages in certain sectors.
However, it is equally important to acknowledge that criminality is not confined to any nationality. South Africans commit serious crimes, and the overwhelming majority of migrants, documented or undocumented, are not involved in criminal activity.
Nevertheless, critics argue that the state has failed to distinguish adequately between lawful migration, asylum seekers, refugees and undocumented immigration. This failure, they say, has contributed to social tensions and undermined confidence in the country’s immigration system.
Being in a country unlawfully constitutes an immigration offence, and many South Africans believe the state has not done enough to enforce immigration laws fairly and consistently.
They also question why citizens demanding stronger border management are frequently accused of xenophobia.
For many communities, the issue is not hatred towards foreigners but frustration with a state perceived as unwilling or unable to protect borders, enforce immigration laws and address the socio-economic challenges facing its citizens.
Whether one agrees with these views or not, it is clear that dismissing all concerns about undocumented migration as xenophobia risks silencing legitimate grievances.
If South Africa is to address these tensions constructively, honest and nuanced conversations, free from slogans and labels, will be essential.
Zingisa Mkhuma is the former editor of the Pretoria News and the Sunday Independent.
