2.4M Immigrants Face Prejudice in South Africa
A new study reveals that mutual suspicion and prejudice between South Africans and African immigrants continue to undermine neighbourhood relations, despite efforts to integrate them into local communities, with 4% to 5.1% of the population being foreign-born residents
A study in South Africa has found that mutual suspicion and prejudice between South Africans and African immigrants continue to undermine neighbourhood relations. The study, which involved collecting data through dialogues conducted in three areas with a high concentration of South Africans and immigrants living and working together, made several key findings.
The study was conducted in three areas: Arcadia in Pretoria, Yeoville in Johannesburg, and Plastic City in Pretoria East. Each dialogue in the study consisted of 30 participants, including community leaders, local South Africans, immigrants, and representatives of community organisations.
The study found that mutual suspicion and prejudice continue to undermine neighbourhood relations between South Africans and African immigrants. This is despite efforts to integrate immigrants into local communities, with South Africa being home to an estimated 2.4 million to 3.1 million foreign-born residents, representing roughly 4% to 5.1% of the total population.
The study made four recommendations to ease tensions within communities: ensuring that immigrants are documented, campaigns to raise awareness about the benefits of living and working together, know-your-neighbour campaigns, and efforts to improve people's social security.
## Why it matters The issue of xenophobia and anti-immigrant sentiment is a significant one in South Africa, with a sharp surge in xenophobic violence and anti-immigrant protests in mid-2026. The study's findings highlight the need for continued efforts to promote social integration and understanding between South Africans and immigrants. By addressing the barriers to good neighbourhood relations, it is possible to build more harmonious and inclusive communities.
The study's recommendations, if implemented, could help to ease tensions and promote greater understanding and acceptance of immigrants as neighbours. This, in turn, could have a positive impact on the social and economic fabric of South African communities, and help to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all residents.
