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.

Allen Onyema, the Chairman of Air Peace, has urged Nigerians to think about pulling their investments from South Africa due to ongoing xenophobic attacks against African migrants. His call comes in light of repeated incidents that have raised concerns about the safety of Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa.

Zari Hassan has assured her fans that she and her family are safe in South Africa, despite the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country. As a precautionary measure, she has temporarily closed her businesses.

Makashule Gana has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to intervene in the tensions between the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Independent Directorate for the Accountability of the Police (IDAC), warning that these conflicts could undermine public confidence in the justice system.

The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg reported the deaths of two more Nigerians in South Africa, as announced in a statement on Saturday. This incident is part of ongoing concerns regarding xenophobia in the region.

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.