South Africa anti‑immigrant mobs accused of foreign funding amid rising violence

Anti‑immigrant mobs in South Africa have intensified attacks on fellow Africans, with reports of shop burnings, checkpoints and other intimidation. Researchers at Wits University say the movement is not a grassroots effort of the unemployed but is coordinated and funded externally. Former President Thabo Mbeki described it as a "funded counter‑revolutionary project".

The campaign is said to be led by former radio presenter Jacinta Ngobese‑Zuma, supported by Zulu regiments and regional agitators such as Mthokozisi Gumede in KwaZulu‑Natal. Public crowdfunding for the movement raised only about 13,000 rand, suggesting deeper, undisclosed financing. Critics argue the mobs are being used to divide Black South Africans and serve hidden political agendas.

The commentary, originally posted by Nigerian writer Kio Amachree, warns that the violence mirrors apartheid tactics and calls for scrutiny of the money behind the unrest.