The latest reports of xenophobic attacks in South Africa should worry more than South Africans. They should worry the whole region, especially countries like Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, Somalia, Nigeria and others whose citizens often live, work or trade there.
South Africa has every right to enforce immigration laws. But immigration enforcement cannot become an excuse for mob violence, public humiliation, blocked access to healthcare, or attacks on foreign-owned businesses. Once vigilante groups start deciding who belongs and who does not, the rule of law is already being weakened.
The most dangerous part is the scapegoating. South Africa’s unemployment, inequality, poor service delivery and crime are real problems, but blaming migrants does not solve them. It only redirects public anger away from deeper governance and economic failures.
For Zimbabweans, this issue is especially sensitive. Many Zimbabweans have crossed into South Africa for work, study, trade and survival. Whether documented or undocumented, they remain human beings deserving of basic protection. A country’s frustration with migration pressure does not remove its duty to prevent violence and prosecute attackers.
The South African government also has to be careful about the message it sends. If authorities appear slow, silent or selective in responding to xenophobic violence, vigilante groups become bolder. Weak enforcement today can easily become wider violence tomorrow.
This is not just a human rights issue. It is also a regional stability issue. Southern Africa is economically connected, and migration will remain part of that reality. The answer is not mobs on the streets. It is better border management, fair labour enforcement, regional cooperation and accountability for those who commit violence.
South Africa’s constitution protects dignity and equality. The test now is whether those protections apply only in speeches, or also when the victims are foreign nationals.