Anti-migrant protests risk economic blowback for South Africa

Polity Audio Articles · Jul 10, 2026 · 4m

Anti-migrant protests risk economic blowback for South Africa Frustrations over unemployment, crime and years of weak growth are driving South Africa's anti-migrant protests. But economists warn that the departure of thousands of foreign workers could end up hurting the very businesses and labour markets that anti-migrant campaigners say they are trying to protect. Anti-migrant sentiment has surged in recent months, culminating in a nationwide march on June 30. Although the protests were largely peaceful, fears of violence have prompted thousands of African migrants to leave South Africa…