Anti-foreigner tensions have resurfaced in parts of South Africa, prompting criticism of whether government responses to xenophobia are effective. Violence has repeatedly targeted migrants from multiple African countries, including outbreaks in 2008, 2015, 2016, and 2019 around Johannesburg. The violence is often tied to frustrations over unemployment, crime, overcrowded services, and poor living conditions, with grievances redirected toward migrants. Supporters of Operation Dudula call for immigration enforcement, while critics say it increases xenophobic sentiment. Loren Landau argues that scapegoating migrants diverts attention from deeper problems, erodes democracy, and puts both citizens and foreigners at risk, noting that migrants are too few to significantly affect employment or crime. The government condemns violence and says it is strengthening social cohesion and migration management.
"“The scapegoating and demonization of migrants merely draw people's attention away from the true source of South Africa's problems and erodes democracy while putting the welfare of many people both our own citizens and foreigners at risk,” Landau said in an article published by Wits."
"“Migrants are not the source of any of South Africa's challenges. There are too few to make a substantial impact on employment or crime,” Landau added."
"“Supporters of Operation Dudula say it demands immigration enforcement, while critics accuse it of fueling xenophobic sentiment”"
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