Xenophobic violence in South Africa has been a persistent issue since the country’s transition to democracy in 1994.Research by Xenowatch at the University of the Witwatersrand reports 873 incidents between 1994 and 2021, including over 600 deaths, more than 1 100 physical assaults, 122 000 people displaced, and over 6 300 properties looted or damaged.

These attacks are often politically orchestrated, with far-right organisations such as Operation Dudula using social media to mobilise support and incite violence against foreign nationals.Hate-filled hashtags and online campaigns amplify xenophobic sentiments, creating a culture of exclusion.

Misleading claims, like foreigners dominating academic positions, distract from structural issues such as unemployment, a dysfunctional visa system, and inequality.

Xenophobic attitudes are not limited to any one demographic and can be exploited by political figures to further personal interests, mirroring patterns seen in far-right movements abroad.

The denial of xenophobia by leaders and the framing of such violence as ordinary crime reflect a lack of political will to address the problem, while impunity and inadequate law enforcement allow the pattern to persist.Ultimately, xenophobic attacks impact the whole nation, undermining social cohesion and democratic principles.