Fresh Xenophobic Fears in South Africa Put Nigerians, Other African Migrants on Edge as Viral Videos Spark Outrage

Fresh concerns over xenophobic violence have resurfaced in South Africa, raising alarm for Nigerians and other African migrants following the circulation of viral videos showing hostile confrontations targeting foreign nationals.

The clips, which have spread widely across social media, show heated exchanges in which some South Africans confront African migrants and accuse them of contributing to social and economic pressures in the country.

In one of the videos, a woman is seen telling a Ghanaian national that African migrants are no longer welcome.

“This thing of you guys moving from one country to the other is no longer working,” she said. “We don’t want these African people anymore. We want you to fix your countries. We don’t want you here.”

The comments have triggered widespread backlash online and renewed fears of xenophobic tensions, a recurring issue in South Africa over the years that has previously led to violence against foreign nationals, including Nigerians.

Another clip shows a man interrogating a Ghanaian over immigration documents, accusing him of fraud and warning that foreigners could become targets if they remain in the country. In a separate video, an individual believed to be Ghanaian was physically assaulted, while another clip shows a South African man blaming foreigners for worsening hardship faced by locals.

The incidents have heightened anxiety ahead of a planned protest in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, where residents are expected to demonstrate over issues linked to foreign nationals and unemployment concerns.

Although authorities have not issued a detailed public statement on the planned protest, diplomatic channels have already been activated in response to the viral videos.

Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, described the footage as disturbing and confirmed he had spoken with South Africa’s Foreign Minister, Ronald Lamola.

According to him, South African authorities have promised investigations into the incidents and assured Ghana of their commitment to addressing the situation.

“The South African Foreign Minister has expressed his empathy with the victims and promised full scale investigations into the depressing incidents,” Ablakwa said.

He also confirmed that Ghana’s diplomatic mission in South Africa had located one of the victims seen in the videos and was providing consular support, adding that no Ghanaian life had been lost.

“We urge calm and confidence in our collective capacity to protect Ghanaians,” he said.

Despite diplomatic reassurances, anxiety remains high among migrant communities across South Africa. Leaders within the Ghanaian community in Mthatha warned that the situation could affect other African nationals, including Nigerians and Zimbabweans.

“We are only trusting God for protection,” said Yirenyi Darko, chairman of the Ghanaian community in Mthatha. “For now, in the Eastern Cape, it is not as extreme as in other provinces, but generally, the situation remains worrying.”

The renewed tensions have reignited broader debates about xenophobia in South Africa, where economic hardship, unemployment, and crime are often cited as triggers for resentment toward foreign nationals.

Observers warn that without swift intervention, the latest wave of viral content and public anger could deepen diplomatic strains across the continent.