Africa: South Africa Feels the Economic Cost of Anti-Migrant Xenophobia

What the report says

The New Humanitarian reports that South Africa is facing growing economic fallout from an anti-migrant campaign led by the March and March movement, which says it will continue protests until undocumented migrants leave the country. The article says the campaign has increasingly targeted African migrants in working-class communities, with violent vigilante attacks, shop closures and pressure on landlords. It notes that officials and humanitarian groups have helped more than 160,000 people return home, while many others have moved privately to safer areas.

The report focuses on the impact in Johannesburg and Soweto, where migrant-owned spaza shops and wholesale businesses are deeply tied to local commerce. These informal retailers are described as important employers and suppliers, especially in neighbourhoods underserved by formal shopping centers. Business owners interviewed by the publication said sales have fallen, security costs have risen and some traders have shut down after threats and attacks. One Somali shopkeeper was reported beaten and his store burned, despite having legal documents.

March and March says it is defending South African jobs and public order, and its spokesperson argues that renting to undocumented foreigners should not be tolerated. City officials have also taken action against informal trading in parts of Johannesburg, citing safety and bylaw enforcement. Analysts quoted in the piece say the broader debate is being shaped by scapegoating and misinformation, while critics warn that treating migrant-led commerce as a problem could damage jobs, local livelihoods and Johannesburg’s role in regional trade.