Growing anti-immigrant sentiment in South Africa is being driven by economic hardship, labor competition and weak policy coordination, a legal expert said, calling for urgent diplomatic and institutional responses.
Ogochukwu Nweke said many African migrants move to South Africa in search of better opportunities but often face hostility due to perceptions that they undercut local wages and strain limited resources.
“Cheaper labor becomes attractive to employers, and that creates tension,” he said.
He noted that migrants frequently take on low-paying jobs or informal work, making them visible competitors in sectors already under pressure from high unemployment.
Mr Nweke also pointed to limited investment from other African countries into South Africa’s economy, arguing that this fuels perceptions that migrants contribute less economically while benefiting from available opportunities.
At the same time, he acknowledged that some migrants engage in criminal activity, which further complicates public perception, though he stressed that such actions should not define entire communities.
To address the situation, Mr Nweke urged African governments and diplomatic missions, including those of Ghana and Nigeria to work closely with South African authorities to regularize migrants’ status and improve integration.
He also called for policy measures that balance protection of local workers with fair opportunities for migrants, suggesting designated sectors or frameworks to reduce competition.
“Dialogue, mediation and clear policy direction are critical at this stage,” he said.
Mr Nweke added that individuals traveling to South Africa should ensure proper documentation and compliance with local laws, while governments should strengthen support systems to protect their citizens abroad.
He warned that without coordinated action, tensions could escalate further, undermining regional cooperation and the broader vision of African unity.
