Analyst urges probe into organisers and funders of anti‑migrant protests

Analyst calls for investigation into who is driving and funding anti‑migrant demonstrations

The South African government should investigate who is organising and funding recent protests targeting undocumented foreign nationals, and examine the broader agenda behind the demonstrations, political analyst Gideon Chitanga has said.

Who is behind the protests?

Chitanga, described in the source as a Zimbabwean political analyst and international relations expert, urged authorities to “dig deep into understanding who is driving these individuals, who is funding their activities and what their agenda is.”

“Are these communities organising themselves because they feel threatened, or are these social formations that are funded, well organised, well coordinated and well resourced?”

He asked whether certain interests might be exploiting immigration tensions “for political or other gains,” and posed the question: “Which interests are mobilising these groups of protesters, and what are they trying to achieve by fuelling these kinds of activities?”

Context and concern

Chitanga placed the protests within a global trend he associated with the rise of right‑wing politics and growing hostility towards foreigners, saying: “We are living in a period where xenophobia – and, for some of us in the academic space, hostility towards foreigners – is associated with the spread of right‑wing politics globally, not only in South Africa.”

He acknowledged concerns about undocumented migration and said the Constitution provides legal mechanisms to address immigration, cautioning that “policing alone will not resolve this issue.” He also pointed to corruption in immigration and policing systems, saying, “I am Zimbabwean and I understand how people pay. I have seen how people pay at the border or elsewhere and are allowed through.”

Political timing and mobilisation

Chitanga criticised political actors and organisations he said have politicised immigration ahead of the 2026 local government elections, saying it is “understandable for political parties to opportunistically politicise immigration, particularly when it aligns with their ideological posture.” He warned against groups taking on roles that should belong to government, saying: “They are violating the law while accusing undocumented immigrants of violating the law.”

Recent protests and government response

The comments come amid protests in Gauteng and KwaZulu‑Natal targeting undocumented immigrants. The source reports that groups involved in recent demonstrations included March and March, Operation Dudula, ActionSA, the Inkatha Freedom Party and the MK Party.

Authorities have responded publicly. President Cyril Ramaphosa rejected characterisations of South Africa as xenophobic and, via presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya, said there are “genuine concerns that communities have with respect to crime.” The presidency said crimes by foreign nationals should be addressed by law enforcement “without any fear or favor.”

Cabinet, represented by Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, condemned the circulation of fake videos and images purporting to show attacks on foreign nationals and warned against attempts to exploit public concerns to destabilise the country. The Cabinet also directed the Department of Employment and Labour to intensify workplace inspections to ensure compliance with employment laws in vulnerable sectors.

The Ministry of Police, through spokesperson Kamogelo Mogotsi, condemned acts of violence and intimidation directed at foreign nationals and said the South African Police Service would “act decisively and without hesitation in addressing incidents of violence against foreign nationals.”

What Chitanga says should happen

Chitanga urged security institutions to investigate organisers and funders of the protests, and to act against any individuals or organisations that violate the law while targeting foreign nationals. He said private citizens demanding identity documents or questioning people’s origins is inappropriate and that such matters are the role of the police.

“You cannot address illegality by committing illegality.”

He also called for firm but honest leadership in diplomatic engagement with neighbouring countries and for the government to address undocumented migration without inflaming xenophobia.

Political analysts warn of election influence

The source also quotes immigration expert Loren Landau, who said anti‑outsider rhetoric has become a central feature of South African politics and suggested that such rhetoric intensifies during local political contests as leaders seek electoral support.

Key facts:

• Chitanga urged an investigation into the organisers and funders of anti‑migrant protests.
• Recent protests have taken place in Gauteng and KwaZulu‑Natal and involved groups including March and March and Operation Dudula.
• President Cyril Ramaphosa and Cabinet officials have publicly addressed the issue, rejecting blanket characterisations of xenophobia and condemning misinformation and violence.