The Centre for Analytics and Behavioural Change’s Beyond Borders report provides a three-year overview of xenophobia in South Africa. It reveals that proponents of the anti-immigrant narrative employ tactics like mis- and disinformation, exaggerated statistics, and scapegoating of social issues onto foreign nationals to sustain their messaging and stoke xenophobia online. Some political parties have also used these tactics to gain support for upcoming elections. Scapegoating immigrants as the source of problems such as unemployment and crime is a common strategy, amplified by disinformation campaigns. Patriotism is invoked to support anti-immigrant narratives, similar to the “Make America Great Again” campaign. This trend is expected to continue in the run-up to the 2024 South African elections.
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