South African authorities have pledged to take firm action against individuals involved in xenophobic attacks targeting Ghanaians and other foreign nationals, following renewed diplomatic concerns raised by Ghana.
The assurance came after Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, summoned South Africa’s envoy on Thursday over viral social media videos showing violent incidents involving migrants.
Ablakwa expressed concern over reports from KwaZulu-Natal province, where a Ghanaian national was allegedly confronted, asked to prove his legal status, and told to leave the country.
Ghana’s ministry said it had demanded urgent intervention to prevent further escalation of attacks on foreign nationals.
In response, South Africa’s police ministry stated that all individuals involved in or inciting xenophobic violence would be identified, arrested, and prosecuted.
Officials emphasized that such acts have no place in the country’s constitutional democracy.
South Africa’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Ronald Lamola, also condemned the incidents, describing violence against migrants as a threat to national constitutional order.
“Acts of lawlessness, intimidation and violence against migrant communities have no place in our constitutional democracy,” Lamola said.
He urged community leaders and civil society organisations to work with authorities to prevent further attacks and promote dialogue between locals and foreign residents.
Campaigners for migrant rights have long warned that foreigners are often scapegoated for South Africa’s economic challenges, leading to periodic outbreaks of xenophobic violence.
Authorities said ongoing investigations aim to ensure accountability while reinforcing protections for migrant communities across the country.
The developments have renewed diplomatic attention between Ghana and South Africa, with both governments stressing the need to protect foreign nationals and maintain regional stability.
