A Call from the Observatory Civic Association to other Civic and Ratepayer groups and concerned citizens across Cape Town. As we see marches and mobilisation to kick foreigners out of South Africa, we call on EVERYONE to take a stand against xenophobia, scapegoating and hate speech… READ MORE There is also a statement from Lawyers…
SIYAFANA SONKE! Defend migrants from hate
We refuse to let our neighbors become scapegoats for a crisis they didn’t create—because Siyafana Sonke, we are all the same. Solidarity in a Time of Crisis The Siyafana Sonke Action Campaign is a national campaign launched in June 2026 to confront the rising tide of xenophobia, Afrophobia, and organized hate in South Africa… READ…
Looming carnage: On the dangerous anti-migrant mobilisation in South Africa
By Neil Coleman The chaos that threatens to explode from this mobilisation will devastate not only migrants but all poor people and workers. Only reactionary political forces will benefit from promoting it. The mobilisation of the populist right internationally draws on and misdirects people’s real grievances against the wrong targets (vulnerable groups instead of the…
Zimbabwean migrants seek repatriation from Cape Town ahead of 30 June ‘deadline’
Storm Simpson More than 300 Zimbabweans have turned to the country’s consulate in Cape Town for refuge and repatriation ahead of the 30 June “deadline” set by anti-immigrant groups.Families began arriving on Wednesday night, with many reporting that they no longer felt safe in their communities. By Thursday afternoon, the number of people seeking help…
Migrants in South Africa
Who really benefits from illegal immigration in SA?
By Andile Sokani By understanding who benefits from illegal immigration, the country can then move towards finding genuine solutions. South Africa’s debate on illegal immigration is often reduced to emotional exchanges, political slogans and accusations of xenophobia. Yet amid the noise, a more fundamental question remains largely unanswered: who really benefits from illegal immigration in…
Does anti-foreigner hatred pay? Do digital platforms profit?
About 50 people marched along Voortrekekker Road to Maitland in Cape Town to protest against illegal immigration on 30 May 2026. The group was advocating for stronger immigration enforcement, strict border control and the strict enforcement of municipal by-laws and local labour laws. (Photo: Gallo Images / Brenton Geach) By Nicole Fritz and Kavisha…
Immigrants make an enormous contribution to the food security in South Africa
By Marc Wegerif Instead of mobilising against those from other countries, we need to be learning from them, embracing and appreciating their contribution in our economy and society, not least to food security. For more than 12 years the Department of Science and Innovation-National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence in Food Security (CoE-FS), a national…
“Phantsi, Afrophobia!” – Cape Town artists and activists reject hatred
Zimbabwean band Nhangambira performed at the free World Refugee Day concert at the Central Methodist Mission on Saturday. Photos: Matthew Hirsch 22 June 2026 | By Matthew Hirsch Calls of “Phantsi, Afrophobia, phantsi!” (Down with Afrophobia) echoed through Cape Town’s Central Methodist Mission Church on Saturday afternoon, where musicians from different African countries performed in…
SAPS launches R600m operation to counter anti-immigrant unrest ahead of 30 June deadline
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has warned that violence and armed participation in protests will not be tolerated (Photo: Brenton Geach / Gallo Images) By Victoria O’Regan Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said the special operation against efforts to destabilise the country is costing taxpayers more than R600m. Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has issued…