SASCO blames foreign actors and calls out vigilantism amid anti-migrant tensions

The South African Students Congress (SASCO) has accused foreign intelligence agencies and certain domestic organisations of exploiting South Africa’s socio-economic problems to inflame anti-migrant unrest, and issued a strong condemnation of rising vigilantism.

Organisation publishes position in new journal

SASCO set out its views in the first edition of its new journal, The Student Speaks. The statement described the organisation as “deeply alarmed by the current climate of instability” and said legitimate public frustrations were being manipulated to sow division.

Causes of public frustration and migrants’ role

The statement acknowledged widespread frustration over unemployment, housing shortages, pressure on public healthcare and the rising cost of higher education, calling these “not imaginary complaints.” It noted that international migrants are estimated to make up between 3% and 5% of South Africa’s population and said undocumented migration can place additional pressure on services in some communities.

At the same time, SASCO rejected claims that migrants are responsible for the country’s deeper socio-economic problems. The organisation pointed instead to apartheid spatial planning, chronic underinvestment in public services, austerity-driven fiscal policies and structural economic exclusion as the root causes. “The collapse of public infrastructure and social services cannot be blamed on foreign nationals,” the statement said.

Allegations against named organisations and a three-stage strategy

In a strong allegation, SASCO said organisations it referred to as “AfriMaga”, and specifically named AfriForum and Solidariteit, are promoting narratives of economic and social collapse as part of a campaign to destabilise South Africa. SASCO outlined what it described as a three-stage strategy:

• Amplify economic anxiety to justify the withdrawal of international investment and donor funding, including support from USAID and United Nations agencies.
• Channel public frustration into what SASCO described as “black-on-black violence,” using foreign nationals as scapegoats.
• Use images of instability and xenophobic violence to damage South Africa’s international reputation.

Geopolitical links and diplomatic concerns

SASCO linked the alleged campaign to broader geopolitical tensions and referenced “the inflammatory remarks made by the US Ambassador.” The organisation warned that attacks on fellow Africans could undermine South Africa’s diplomatic standing, including its aspirations for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.

Condemnation of vigilantism and calls for lawful enforcement

SASCO was unequivocal in condemning vigilante action, warning that groups encouraging citizens to take law enforcement into their own hands pose a direct threat to constitutional democracy. “Vigilantism, whether dressed up as community policing or citizen action, is a recipe for chaos, tribalism and the complete breakdown of the rule of law,” the organisation said. “It is not a solution to crime or irregular migration; it is a crime in itself.”

The organisation called on the South African Police Service to arrest and prosecute anyone responsible for inciting or carrying out acts of violence, “regardless of political affiliation,” and urged the government to investigate what it described as the role of foreign intelligence agencies and the US Ambassador in allegedly fuelling instability.

Appeal to civil society

SASCO concluded by urging students, workers, faith-based organisations and “all people of conscience” to oppose intimidation and violence peacefully, and to report criminal activity to law enforcement rather than taking the law into their own hands.