ANC and the Rise of Afrophobia in South Africa

My argument against the African National Congress (ANC) is simple. It is largely responsible for the ongoing Afrophobia and xenophobia violence in South Africa.

The imaginary International Court of Human Conscience and the African Court of Ubuntu should take note. Since the ANC took power in South Africa in 1994, violent attacks against immigrants have increased.

During Nelson Mandela’s presidency, in January 1995, Malawian, Mozambican, and Zimbabwean immigrants were attacked in Alexandra Township. They were marched to a police station and forced to leave the township.

Under Thabo Mbeki’s presidency, in September 1998, there were more attacks in Johannesburg. A Mozambican and two Senegalese immigrants were violently thrown off speeding trains because they were seen as “outsiders.”

In 2000, within five weeks, seven African immigrants were killed in their flats in Cape Town. They were targeted because people believed immigrants wanted to take over local properties.

In late December 2005 and early January 2006, at least four African immigrants were killed in Olievenhoutbosch. Locals set their shacks and properties on fire, blaming immigrants for the death of a local man.

In May 2008, violence erupted against African immigrants. Twenty-one Black South Africans, eleven Mozambicans, three Zimbabweans, and three Somalis lost their lives. Tens of thousands of immigrants were forced to flee from 135 places across South Africa. The violence was so severe that the military had to be called in.

Under Jacob Zuma’s presidency, in April 2015, violence against immigrants broke out. The attacks began after the Zulu King, Goodwill Zwelithini, made anti-immigrant statements. They started in Durban and KwaZulu-Natal and spread to Johannesburg. Seven immigrants were killed, and many others were displaced. Immigrant-owned businesses were looted, causing several African countries to bring their citizens back home.

In October 2015, more attacks happened in Primrose and Johannesburg. Many immigrants had to seek refuge in police stations and temporary camps.

If the ANC had followed paragraphs “4”, “5”, “8”, and “9” of its “Freedom Charter”, South Africa’s wealth would have benefited all South Africans. This could have stopped people from organizing to harm fellow Africans.

In 2016, xenophobic riots broke out in Tshwane. Political problems within the ANC triggered this violence. Businesses owned by foreigners were attacked, and many immigrants faced violence.

In 2017, there was a protest march against immigrants, which the government supported. Immigrants were blamed for taking jobs and committing crimes. Nigerians were specifically called “too arrogant.”

Under President Cyril Ramaphosa, anti-immigrant violence continued in 2019, 2020, 2024, and 2026. The most serious incidents included “Operation Dudula,” aiming to forcibly remove immigrants, and the current “March and March” (M&M).

This violence has led to discrimination, forced property seizures, and denial of medical care for immigrants. Currently, over 25,000 immigrants have been sent back to their home countries.

The ANC has not made real efforts to stop Afrophobia and xenophobia in South Africa. Instead, its leaders often justify the actions of anti-immigrant groups by citing legality. When immigrants defend themselves, soldiers are sent in to restore “peace.” But nothing concrete changes afterward.

While talking about legality, the ANC has ignored that South Africa’s constitution and international human rights laws require the protection of lives and properties for all, whether citizens or not.

Even when dealing with illegal immigrants, common sense and morality demand that punishment follows the Rule of Law, not violence from angry mobs.

The ANC has failed to improve the lives of Black South Africans. Instead, it often blames African immigrants for its failures. Its leaders and activists easily attack and vilify immigrants.

If the ANC had used its resources properly, the violence and suffering inflicted on Africans would not have happened. As African intellectual Yusuf Bangura said, Pan-African support was crucial for ending apartheid.

Amilcar Cabral advised liberation fighters to remember that people fight for better lives and peace, not just ideas.

Worse still, the ANC does not educate Black South Africans about Africa’s role in their liberation. It fails to explain how apartheid destroyed Angolan infrastructure, costing over $30 billion.

The ANC has not informed its citizens that apartheid’s destabilization of Mozambique cost over $3.8 billion and resulted in the deaths of over 100,000 Mozambicans. It also led to a million people fleeing their homes and the destruction of many schools and health centers.

The ANC has kept Black citizens unaware of how the current troubles in Zimbabwe trace back to its fight against apartheid. Damages to Zimbabwe’s infrastructure and economy cost over $10 billion.

Zambia supported South African independence at a cost of $19 billion. It suffered economic setbacks worth $50 billion to $75 billion during the struggle. Tanzania also played a vital role, hosting liberation movements and providing support.

Finally, Nigeria contributed $10 billion to help in the liberation struggle. Public servants even paid a “Mandela Tax” to support the cause.

The ANC has ignored all these contributions and failed to educate its people. By not implementing its own Freedom Charter and blaming immigrants for poverty, it is responsible for the Afrophobia and xenophobia in South Africa. No more, no less.