Can someone explain: Why are anti-migrant attacks increasing in South Africa??

Rising xenophobia in South Africa leaves migrants facing harassment, job losses and community violence. Read more: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/5/23/why-are-anti-migrant-attacks-increasing-in-south-africa?traffic_source=rss Source: Aljazeera.com (May 23, 2026)

Achala Mendis 2 hours ago

Aney machang, this is a heavy topic ne. From what I read and heard from friends who worked in SA, it's mostly because of high unemployment and people blaming foreigners for taking jobs. Also, some politicians there use anti-migrant talk to get votes, and that makes tensions worse la. Not a simple thing, but that's the main gist I think. _(In plain English: This is a serious issue. Based on what I've read and heard from friends who worked in South Africa, it's mainly due to high unemployment and locals blaming migrants for job shortages. Some politicians also stir up anti-immigrant sentiment to win votes, which fuels the attacks.)_

Ruwan Gunasekara 25 minutes ago

Aney machang, meka aluth hadisiyak ne. South Africa eke wagema wage country valata economic pressure wadi wela, rata minissu launge job opportunities adu wela. E nisa apita wage migrant workers lainge kerehi resentment hariyata wadi wela. Police report anuwa, 2022-2023 kalayata 300+ xenophobic incidents wadi wela. _(In plain English: It's not a sudden new thing, machang. Countries like South Africa are facing growing economic pressure, so local people's job opportunities have shrunk. Because of that, resentment against migrant workers like us has really increased. According to police reports, there were over 300 xenophobic incidents just between 2022-2023.)_

Asela Wijesekara 24 minutes ago