In early May 2026, anti-immigrant protests occurred in major South African cities, raising concerns about rising xenophobia in post-apartheid South Africa. President Cyril Ramaphosa urged citizens to show solidarity with their African neighbors, while foreign governments expressed their discontent. Police were deployed to manage the situation and prevent violence during the demonstrations, which featured participants in traditional Zulu attire, as seen in Johannesburg on April 29, 2026.

The University of Mpumalanga has rejected claims of xenophobia, according to The Citizen, after a former Wits vice-chancellor urged South African universities to resist people he described as “populist and xenophobic activists.” The available excerpt does not identify the former vice-chancellor or detail specific incidents, but indicates the university disputes the characterisation and that the comments were aimed at campus tensions across South Africa.

Helen Zille, the Johannesburg Mayoral Candidate, humorously commented on the perceived emptiness of the ANC's tables as South Africa approaches its voting period, eliciting laughter from social media users. This playful trolling highlights the political climate in the country ahead of the elections.

South Africa's anti-migrant sentiment has led to a loss of support from other African teams during the World Cup, as expressed by a representative who noted a lack of action from South Africans regarding the situation in their country. The comments highlight concerns over rising hate against migrants in South Africa.

The African National Congress held a media briefing on Tuesday to explain its decision to take the Electoral Commission of South Africa to court over the submission of its candidate list, according to TimesLIVE. The live stream focused on the party’s challenge to the IEC process, but the provided notice did not include the court sought, specific alleged defect, affected candidates or municipalities, timing, or the IEC’s response.

South African political party Afrika Mayibuye has defended its decision to field Themba "SkeemGP" Nzimande, an ex-convict, as a mayoral candidate. According to SABC Politics, the party is facing fierce public backlash following the announcement of Nzimande's candidacy. The party has stood by its choice despite the criticism from the public over his criminal record.