What is driving the wave of anti-migrant protests in South Africa?
According to Al Jazeera's 'Inside Story', thousands of foreign workers in South Africa are facing growing pressure to leave the country. Social tensions are concentrating around economic strain, unemployment and political rhetoric; the government's stance will sharpen in the days ahead.
According to Al Jazeera's 'Inside Story' edition, in recent weeks of intensifying anti-migrant protests in South Africa, thousands of foreign workers have been facing growing pressure to leave the country. The panellists framed tensions as deepening around the triangle of South Africa's high unemployment rate, access to public services and political rhetoric.
A significant share of migrants from neighbouring countries is employed in lower-wage sectors, and protest actions occasionally morph into calls to shut down small businesses. Experts on the programme noted that the government has been continuing consultations with civil-society and employer representatives, but that no comprehensive policy framework has yet been announced.
International observers continue to track the impact of developments on South Africa's regional diplomacy. Likely policy steps will become clearer through public statements in the days ahead. This article is based on Al Jazeera's broadcast and does not contain figures on actions or tensions that remain subject to independent verification.
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