PUG statement on threats against foreign nationals in South Africa

The Politics and Urban Governance Research Group (PUG) at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) notes with concern the recent rise in calls for foreign nationals, particularly black African migrants, to leave South Africa or face violence against themselves and their property. Recent incidents affecting both foreign nationals and South African citizens have heightened concerns about the potential for further violence and displacement.

Public discussions in some political and parliamentary forums concerning migration, foreign academics, and universities risk contributing to an environment in which foreign nationals are increasingly viewed through a lens of suspicion and criminality. While migration remains a legitimate subject of public debate, public discourse should avoid attributing complex social, economic, and governance challenges to entire groups of people.

PUG recognises the state’s responsibility to manage immigration and enforce the law. It also calls for any debates around these issues to remain grounded in evidence, constitutional principles, and respect for human dignity, and not justify collective blame, discrimination, vigilantism, or violence.

Our research in communities across South Africa points to the enduring effects of poverty, inequality, economic exclusion, and unequal access to services and opportunities. While concerns about migration are often raised in this context, our work suggests that many of the challenges facing communities are rooted in broader structural and governance issues. Addressing these challenges requires sustained social, economic, and political interventions rather than explanations that locate their causes in the presence of foreign nationals.

South Africa has long been shaped by regional and continental mobility. Migrants, including students, academics, professionals, and workers, continue to contribute to social, economic, and intellectual life. Through our own research and collaborations, PUG has seen the value of these exchanges in advancing knowledge and addressing shared challenges.

Universities depend on environments in which students, academics, and researchers can participate without fear of intimidation or discrimination. Through the African Universities Hub for Human Rights, PUG has worked with scholars, students, and human rights defenders from across Africa, reinforcing the importance of international academic cooperation and solidarity.

The widespread characterisation of foreign nationals as criminals risks encouraging the view that the removal of migrants offers a solution to complex social and security challenges. Reports from affected communities suggest that threats and intimidation have already influenced the daily lives of many people, including students, academics, workers, and business owners. Experiences from previous episodes of anti-migrant violence demonstrate that fear and uncertainty alone can result in displacement.

PUG calls on the Government of South Africa to uphold the rule of law, protect constitutional rights, and ensure the safety of all persons within the country. We also call on political leaders, community leaders, universities, and civil society organisations to engage migration-related concerns through lawful, peaceful, and democratic processes.

PUG reaffirms its commitment to democracy, social justice, human rights, and evidence-based approaches to addressing inequality and exclusion. We oppose violence, intimidation, and collective blame, and support efforts that strengthen social cohesion, democratic dialogue, and constitutional governance.