Demonstrators take part in a protest against undocumented migrants outside Parliament in Cape Town on May 8. Public anger directed at migrants creates instability and diverts attention from the policy failures that produced the crisis, says the writer.
Dr. Reneva Fourie
Millions of South Africans are grappling with unemployment, rising living costs and declining confidence in public institutions. At the same time, internal migration from rural areas to major cities has placed increasing strain on urban housing, healthcare, education and municipal services.
Informal settlements continue to expand in areas already burdened by overcrowding and fragile infrastructure, deepening frustration among many communities. Yet directing anger toward fellow human beings based on nationality is a dangerous response; one that risks intensifying these challenges rather than solving them.
South Africa is once again confronting painful scenes that are spreading rapidly across social media and dominating public debate. Videos of marches against foreigners, angry crowds, some expressing tribal sentiments, and visibly intimidated individuals are circulating widely across digital platforms, fuelling fear, outrage and division.
