South Africa Faces Surge in Deadly Xenophobic Attacks

South Africa is seeing a spike in xenophobic violence, including recent reports of two Nigerian nationals being killed and burnt alive. The attacks are linked to a high unemployment rate of approximately 33% and a widespread perception among 62% of the population that immigrants are economic burdens.

Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters, has condemned the violence and challenged the narrative that immigrants steal jobs. Conversely, other political figures and Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini have used derogatory language to call for the eviction of African migrants. This climate has facilitated the growth of Operation Dudula, an anti-migrant vigilante group advocating for the forced removal of foreigners.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has reminded the country of its historical debts to nations that supported the anti-apartheid struggle. This includes the Government of Nigeria, which provided an estimated $60 billion in funding, diplomatic boycotts, and asylum for African National Congress leaders during the fight against apartheid.