South Africa Denies Xenophobia Claims Amid Regional Diplomatic Pressure
South Africa’s government has condemned the circulation of what it described as “fake videos and images” allegedly depicting attacks on foreign nationals, as diplomatic tensions rise between Pretoria and several African countries over concerns about xenophobia.
The remarks were made on Thursday by Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni during a media briefing following a cabinet meeting, according to a BBC report.
“The fake videos and images are not only fake, but they are intended to undermine the good reputation of South Africa internationally and undermine the country’s pursuit of a better Africa agenda,” Ms Ntshavheni said.
The controversy follows the circulation of video clips on social media over the past fortnight showing groups confronting individuals believed to be undocumented migrants in South Africa.
In one widely shared video, a man identified as Ghanaian was reportedly challenged over his immigration status and told to “fix his country”.
The situation has prompted growing concern across the continent.
Ghana’s government has formally written to the African Union (AU), urging the continental body to discuss what it described as a “serious risk to the safety and wellbeing” of Africans living in South Africa.
Nigeria has also raised concerns and offered to repatriate its nationals amid fears of attacks on foreign citizens.
Kenya, Malawi, Lesotho and Zimbabwe have similarly advised their citizens residing in South Africa to remain vigilant.
Responding to Ghana’s intervention, South African authorities insisted the country “had nothing to hide”.
Thousands of South Africans have taken part in demonstrations in major cities in recent days, protesting against illegal immigration and demanding the deportation of undocumented migrants.
Protesters have argued that illegal immigration has contributed to pressure on employment, housing and crime.
Ms Ntshavheni acknowledged that South Africans had the democratic right to protest against what she called the country’s “spiralling illegal immigration challenge”, but she added that violence associated with previous demonstrations was unacceptable.
South Africa has long faced criticism over periodic outbreaks of xenophobic violence, some of which have resulted in deaths and the destruction of foreign-owned businesses.
However, authorities said the current demonstrations had largely remained peaceful, with no official reports of widespread violence or looting targeting migrants.
In its letter to the AU, Ghana said alleged xenophobia in South Africa “presents a challenge to the shared principles of African solidarity, brotherhood, and continental unity” and called for a fact-finding mission to be sent to the country.
On Wednesday, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s spokesperson said the South African leader had stressed that the country was “a welcoming country” and rejected attempts to portray South Africans as xenophobic.
Echoing those remarks on Thursday, Ms Ntshavheni stated that there were “no xenophobic attacks in South Africa”.
She acknowledged that some foreign nationals had fallen victim to crime, but said this reflected broader criminal activity rather than organised xenophobic violence.
Source: BBC
