The South African government has dismissed reports suggesting that foreign nationals, including Nigerians and Ghanaians, are being targeted in xenophobic attacks, describing viral videos and images circulating online as misleading and fabricated.
According to a report by BBCNEWS, the government said the clips being shared on social media, which allegedly show assaults on foreign nationals, are not genuine and are intended to damage the country’s international reputation.
Speaking after a cabinet meeting, Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, insisted that South Africa has “nothing to hide” and rejected claims that the country is experiencing a surge in xenophobic violence.
She said the circulation of what she described as fake videos was part of efforts to undermine South Africa’s image and its broader vision of African unity and cooperation.
The controversy comes amid rising diplomatic concern across the continent following reports of alleged attacks on foreign nationals. The government of Ghana has formally written to the African Union requesting intervention, describing the situation as a threat to the safety of Africans living in South Africa.
Nigeria has also expressed concern over the situation and reportedly considered evacuation options for its citizens, while countries such as Kenya, Malawi, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe have issued advisories urging their nationals in South Africa to remain vigilant.
In response, South Africa maintained that while isolated criminal incidents involving foreigners may occur, they should not be interpreted as xenophobic attacks.
President Cyril Ramaphosa, through his spokesperson, reiterated that South Africa remains a welcoming nation and rejected any attempts to label the country or its citizens as xenophobic.
Meanwhile, tensions were further fueled after video clips surfaced online showing individuals confronting people they claimed were undocumented migrants, with some telling them to return to their home countries.
Despite the concerns, authorities insist there are no officially verified reports of coordinated xenophobic violence linked to the recent protests, which have largely focused on illegal immigration, unemployment, and crime concerns.
The South African government says it continues to engage diplomatically with African partners to address concerns while maintaining that the viral content does not reflect the true situation on the ground.