Experts warn xenophobic tensions risk damaging South Africa’s reputation

Experts link attacks and rhetoric to reputational harm

Corporate communication and brand reputation strategist Tshepo Matseba urged an unequivocal condemnation of “any violence, intimidation or unlawful conduct directed at foreign nationals,” saying such actions “undermine the constitution, weaken social cohesion and damage the country’s standing as one of Africa’s leading democracies.”

Matseba warned that “repeated images of violence against foreign nationals risk eroding that equity and creating a perception of hostility, instability and contradiction between the country’s constitutional values and events on the ground.”

Complex drivers, but clear consequences

Matseba cautioned against reducing the issue to a single cause, saying South Africa faces “the pressures of high unemployment, weak economic growth, overstretched public services, porous borders and undocumented migration,” all of which “require serious policy responses, not slogans or denial.”

Diplomatic concerns from across Africa

Matseba noted that several African countries Kenya, Ghana, Malawi, Lesotho, Nigeria and Zimbabwe have already issued advisories or raised diplomatic concerns about the safety of their nationals in South Africa.

Calls for leadership, arrests and prosecutions

Brand strategist Solly Moeng said action is needed both to ensure documentation for everyone in South Africa and to hold accountable those who violently attack foreigners. He warned that law‑abiding foreign nationals are often unfairly targeted.

“It needs leadership at the highest level to say enough is enough, and then there must be arrests and prosecutions of any violent act. Nothing should justify this. The world must see the government acting against these things.”

Public figures, recent incidents and concern

The experts’ warnings come amid a wave of anti‑immigrant activity and public figures who have been linked to the anti‑immigrant drive. The article names former radio presenter Ngizwe Mchunu and ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba as public figures associated with that rhetoric.

It was reported that Mchunu’s house in KwaZulu‑Natal was torched a few days ago, and that it is not clear what the motive was or whether the attack is linked to his anti‑foreigner activism.

What experts say should happen next

• Public and political leaders must condemn violence and intimidation directed at foreign nationals.
• Authorities should pursue arrests and prosecutions for violent acts against foreigners.
• Longer‑term policy responses are needed to address socioeconomic pressures that feed tensions.

Experts warn that without clear leadership and visible action, perceptions of hostility and instability could weaken South Africa’s role and reputation in Africa.