The South African government has strongly condemned the widespread circulation of what it describes as fabricated videos and images allegedly depicting attacks on foreign nationals, calling them deliberate attempts to tarnish the country’s international reputation. The condemnation comes amid escalating diplomatic friction between South Africa and several African nations, as concerns over a resurgence of xenophobic violence continue to mount across the continent.

Ghana has formally written to the African Union, urging the continental body to address what it characterizes as a “serious risk to the safety and wellbeing” of Africans residing in South Africa. Nigeria has similarly raised the alarm, even offering to repatriate its citizens, while Kenya, Malawi, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe have all issued warnings to their nationals in South Africa to remain vigilant against potential attacks. In response, South Africa has maintained transparency, stating it “had nothing to hide.”

The recent wave of tension was triggered by video clips circulated online approximately two weeks ago, appearing to show vigilante groups harassing individuals suspected of being in South Africa illegally. One widely shared clip reportedly showed a Ghanaian national being confronted and told to “fix his country.” Thousands of South Africans have since taken to the streets in major cities, protesting illegal immigration and demanding the mass deportation of undocumented foreign nationals, citing impacts on employment, housing, and crime.

Following a cabinet meeting, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni addressed the media, asserting that the fake content was designed to undermine South Africa’s reputation and its pursuit of a better Africa agenda. While acknowledging South Africans’ right to protest against illegal immigration, she condemned any associated violence. Notably, recent demonstrations have remained largely peaceful, with no official reports of looting or violence against migrants.

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s spokesperson emphasized that South Africa remains a welcoming nation, rejecting any characterization of its people as xenophobic. Ntshavheni echoed this sentiment, denying the existence of xenophobic attacks while acknowledging that foreigners had fallen victim to general criminality, which she attributed to police matters and efforts to destabilize the country. South Africa continues to intensify diplomatic efforts to address continental concerns over rising anti-immigration sentiment.