The government of South Africa has condemned the circulation of what it described as “fake videos and images” allegedly showing attacks on foreign nationals in the country.
The response comes amid growing diplomatic tension between South Africa and several African countries over fears of renewed xenophobic violence.
Ghana has formally written to the African Union requesting discussions on what it described as a “serious risk to the safety and wellbeing” of Africans living in South Africa.
Nigeria has also raised concerns and offered to repatriate its citizens amid fears of possible attacks.
Other African countries, including Kenya, Malawi, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe, have advised their nationals in South Africa to remain vigilant.
South Africa responded to Ghana’s concerns by insisting that it had “nothing to hide.”
The latest controversy followed the circulation of online videos over the past two weeks that appeared to show vigilante groups confronting individuals suspected of being in South Africa illegally.
One of the clips reportedly showed a Ghanaian national being questioned about his immigration status and told to “fix his country.”
Speaking during a media briefing after a cabinet meeting on Thursday, Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, dismissed the footage as misleading.
“The fake videos and images are not only fake, but they are intended to undermine the good reputation of South Africa internationally and undermine the country’s pursuit of a better Africa agenda,” she said.
Thousands of South Africans have staged protests in major cities in recent days, calling for the deportation of undocumented foreign nationals.
Protesters argue that illegal immigration has contributed to rising unemployment, pressure on housing, and increased crime.
Ntshavheni acknowledged that citizens have the right to protest against what she described as the “spiralling illegal immigration challenge,” but stressed that violence linked to such demonstrations remains unacceptable.
Xenophobia has remained a long-standing issue in South Africa, with previous outbreaks resulting in deadly attacks on foreign nationals.
However, authorities say the current wave of protests has largely remained peaceful, with no official reports of widespread violence or looting targeting foreign-owned businesses.
The South African government has intensified diplomatic efforts to ease concerns across the continent regarding anti-immigration sentiment in the country.
In its letter to the African Union, Ghana stated that alleged xenophobia in South Africa threatens the principles of African solidarity, unity, and brotherhood.
The Ghanaian government also called for a fact-finding mission to be sent to South Africa.
On Wednesday, spokesperson for President Cyril Ramaphosa said the president had reiterated that South Africa remains welcoming to foreigners.
“South Africans are an open, friendly and warm people. And we will reject any notion that seeks to characterise this country or its people as being xenophobic,” the spokesperson said.
Ntshavheni also maintained that there were “no xenophobic attacks in South Africa,” adding that while foreigners may have been victims of crime, such incidents were linked to general criminality rather than targeted xenophobic violence.
