By Nco Dube | 08 March 2025

South Africa is a nation of immense potential, blessed with abundant natural resources, a vibrant cultural heritage, and a hardworking population. Yet, despite these advantages, the country continues to grapple with deep-seated socio-economic challenges: high unemployment, rampant crime, inequality, and corruption. In the face of these difficulties, a troubling trend has emerged, the scapegoating of foreigners. Particularly African migrants, for the problems we face. This narrative is not only misguided but also dangerous, as it distracts from the real issues plaguing our society and fosters division and xenophobia.

It is undeniable that South Africa has a significant number of undocumented migrants. Estimates suggest that there are millions of illegal foreigners in the country, many of whom have crossed porous borders in search of a better life. While their presence is often framed as a threat to South Africa’s stability and prosperity, the reality is far more nuanced. The majority of these migrants are not criminals; they are ordinary people fleeing poverty, conflict, and political instability in their home countries. They come to South Africa with dreams of opportunity, much like South Africans who seek work abroad or migrate to urban centres within the country.

Yet, instead of addressing the systemic issues that allow illegal immigration to flourish such as weak border controls, corruption, and a lack of effective immigration policies, some South Africans have chosen to blame foreigners for their struggles. This scapegoating is not only unfair but also counterproductive. It shifts the focus away from the real culprits: a failing state, ineffective governance, and a lack of accountability. By directing our anger at foreigners, we are ignoring the root causes of our problems and perpetuating a cycle of blame that benefits no one.

The Exaggerated Tale of the Criminal Foreigner

One of the most pervasive tales in South Africa is that foreigners are responsible for the country’s high crime rates. This is often fuelled by sensationalist media reports and opportunistic politicians who seek to exploit public fears for their own gain. While it is true that there are  foreigners are involved in criminal activities, they are a small minority compared to the total number of foreigners in the country. There is also no evidence that they have a higher propensity to crime than South Africans. The vast majority of migrants are law-abiding individuals who are simply trying to make a living.

Moreover, the involvement of foreigners in crime is often a symptom of their marginalisation and vulnerability. Undocumented migrants, in particular, are easy targets for exploitation. Unable to access formal employment due to their illegal status, many are forced into informal or illegal activities to survive. 

This is not to excuse criminal behaviour, but rather to highlight the structural factors that contribute to it. If we want to address crime, we must focus on strengthening our institutions, improving border security, and creating legal pathways for migration. Blaming foreigners for crime only serves to distract from these larger issues.

The Exploitation of Foreign Workers

Another common complaint is that foreigners are “stealing” jobs from South Africans. This accusation is often levelled at African migrants who work in low-paying sectors such as construction, agriculture, and domestic work. However, the reality is more complex. Many employers prefer to hire foreign workers because they are willing to accept lower wages and poorer working conditions than South Africans. This is not the fault of the migrants themselves, but rather a reflection of the exploitative practices of certain employers.

Foreign workers are often subjected to appalling treatment, including long hours, unsafe working conditions, and wages that are well below the legal minimum. They are also vulnerable to abuse and exploitation, as many are undocumented and fear reporting violations to the authorities. Instead of blaming these workers for “taking” jobs, we should be holding employers accountable for their exploitative practices and advocating for fair labour standards for all workers, regardless of their nationality.

The Failure of the State

The ease with which people can enter South Africa illegally, obtain fraudulent documents, and evade detection by the authorities is a reflection of the state’s failure to manage migration effectively. Corruption within the Department of Home Affairs, weak border controls, and a lack of enforcement have created an environment in which illegal immigration thrives. These are systemic issues that require systemic solutions, yet they are often overlooked in favour of simplistic narratives that blame foreigners for our problems.

The state’s failure to address these issues has far-reaching consequences. It undermines the rule of law, erodes public trust in government, and creates opportunities for criminal networks to exploit vulnerable migrants. Rather than scapegoating foreigners, we should be demanding greater accountability from our leaders and pushing for reforms that address the root causes of illegal immigration.

Acknowledging the Burden on the State

While it is important to challenge the scapegoating of foreigners and address the systemic failures that enable illegal immigration, we must also acknowledge the very real burden that undocumented migrants place on the state. South Africa’s social services, already strained by decades of inequality and underinvestment, are further stretched by the presence of an unknown number of illegal immigrants. 

This makes it difficult for the government to properly plan, budget, and allocate resources effectively. Reports of individuals from neighbouring countries routinely crossing into South Africa illegally to access free healthcare, education, and even social grants highlight the challenges posed by unregulated migration. In some cases, illegal immigrants have fraudulently obtained child benefit grants, diverting resources meant for vulnerable South African citizens. 

This failure by the state to secure its borders and manage migration effectively creates a situation where foreigners and South Africans are pitted against each other in the competition for scarce resources. However, it is crucial to recognise that the root cause of this problem lies not with the migrants themselves, but with the government’s inability to enforce immigration laws and protect the integrity of its social services. 

By failing to address these issues, the state perpetuates a cycle of resentment and division, ultimately harming both South Africans and migrants alike. The solution lies not in blaming foreigners, but in holding the government accountable for its failures and demanding effective, transparent, and humane immigration policies.

The Rise of Xenophobia and Afrophobia

The scapegoating of foreigners in South Africa is not just a matter of economic or political concern; it is also a deeply moral issue. The rhetoric of nationalism and anti-immigrant sentiment that has gained traction in recent years is often disguised as a legitimate concern about illegal immigration. In reality, however, it is rooted in xenophobia and, more specifically Afrophobia, the fear or hatred of African migrants.

This Afrophobia is evident in the way that African migrants are disproportionately targeted in acts of violence and discrimination. While migrants from Europe, Asia, and other regions are also present in South Africa, it is African migrants who bear the brunt of public anger and hostility. This is a reflection of the broader prejudices that exist within South African society, where African migrants are often viewed as inferior or undeserving of the same rights and opportunities as South Africans.

The consequences of this xenophobic rhetoric are devastating. It fuels violence against foreigners, as seen in the recurring outbreaks of xenophobic attacks that have plagued South Africa over the years. It also perpetuates harmful stereotypes and divisions, undermining the spirit of unity and solidarity that is essential for building a more inclusive and equitable society.

A Call for Compassion and Accountability

As South Africans, we must confront the uncomfortable truth that our problems are not caused by foreigners. They are the result of decades of inequality, corruption, and poor governance. Blaming migrants for these issues is not only unjust but also counterproductive. It distracts from the real work that needs to be done to address the root causes of our challenges and build a better future for all.

Instead of scapegoating foreigners, we should be extending compassion to those who have come to our country in search of a better life. Many of these individuals have fled unimaginable hardships and are simply trying to provide for their families. They deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, not vilified and marginalised.

At the same time, we must hold our leaders accountable for their failures. The state has a responsibility to manage migration effectively, protect the rights of all people within its borders, and address the systemic issues that contribute to illegal immigration and exploitation. This requires political will, transparency, and a commitment to the rule of law.

The Role of Media and Political Leadership

The media and political leaders play a significant role in shaping public perceptions of foreigners. Sensationalist reporting and inflammatory rhetoric can easily stoke fears and prejudices, leading to a climate of hostility and mistrust. It is crucial that the media adopts a more responsible approach to reporting on migration, one that is based on facts rather than stereotypes. Similarly, political leaders must refrain from using xenophobic rhetoric to score cheap political points. Instead, they should be working to promote social cohesion and address the root causes of our problems.

The Economic Contribution of Migrants

Contrary to popular belief, migrants often make significant contributions to the South African economy. Many are entrepreneurs who start businesses, create jobs, and contribute to economic growth. Others bring valuable skills and expertise that are in short supply in certain sectors. By scapegoating foreigners, we risk undermining these contributions and stifling the potential for economic development.

The Need for Comprehensive Immigration Reform

To address the challenges associated with illegal immigration, South Africa needs comprehensive immigration reform. This includes strengthening border controls, improving the efficiency and transparency of the Department of Home Affairs, and creating legal pathways for migration. It also involves addressing the root causes of migration, such as poverty and conflict in neighbouring countries, through regional cooperation and development initiatives.

Conclusion

South Africa is at a crossroads. We can continue down the path of division and scapegoating, or we can choose to confront our challenges with honesty, compassion, and a commitment to justice. The problems we face are not caused by foreigners; they are the result of our own failures as a society. By shifting the blame onto migrants, we are only perpetuating the cycle of inequality and injustice that has held us back for so long.

It is time for South Africans to take responsibility for our problems and work together to build a more inclusive and equitable society. This means addressing the root causes of illegal immigration, holding employers accountable for exploitative practices, and challenging the xenophobic rhetoric that divides us. It also means recognising the humanity of migrants and treating them with the dignity and respect they deserve.

The future of South Africa depends on our ability to come together as a nation and confront our challenges head-on. Let us not allow fear and prejudice to dictate our actions. Instead, let us strive for a society that values justice, equality, and compassion for all. Only then can we truly overcome the problems we face and build a brighter future for generations to come.

(Dube is a Political Economist, Businessman, and Social Commentator on UkhoziFM and various newspapers. Read more of his articles here: www. ncodube.blog)