South Africa’s xenophobic violence undermines African unity

South Africa, Africa’s most industrialised economy, is praised for its modern financial sector, infrastructure and democratic institutions. At the same time, repeated outbreaks of xenophobic violence have targeted migrants from Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Somalia, Ethiopia, Malawi and other African nations. Attacks have involved looting, arson and, in several cases, fatalities, prompting condemnation across the continent.

Analysts argue that the violence reflects a broader pattern of “governance displacement”, where frustration with poor public services and corruption is redirected toward visible foreign nationals. This dynamic hinders the African Union’s goals of free movement, the African Continental Free Trade Area and deeper economic integration, reinforcing a perception of South African exceptionalism that isolates the country from its neighbours.