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False information is spreading. We’re tracking it live. Ahead of the 30 June “deadline” promoted by anti-migrant groups, migration-related disinformation is escalating in South Africa. Read on how Xenowatch documents xenophobic discrimination. [Credit: Shutterstock]

South Africa: Anti-migrant protests turn violent as 30 June deadline looms. Prof. Jo Vearey (African Centre for Migration & Society (ACMS)): “They blame foreign residents for service failures. Ultimately, it’s about gaining votes.” READ. [Image Credit: Ihsaan Haffejee/REUTERS]

Vigilante groups have issued a 30 June deadline for undocumented migrants to leave the country, with activists warning that violence could escalate sharply. Professor Jo Vearey (African Centre for Migration & Society (ACMS), University of the Witwatersrand): “It appears vigilante groups are targeting all foreign nationals residing in South Africa, regardless of their immigration status.”…

African Centre for Migration & Society (ACMS) researchers are warning that growing anti-migrant sentiment could damage South Africa’s economy, international reputation, and constitutional democracy. Prof. Jo Vearey: “People aren’t asking: ‘Well, what next? If we get rid of these foreign nationals, what’s actually going to change? Are you going to suddenly be improving service delivery?’…

The South African government’s actions to deal with immigration tensions have so far only emboldened vigilante groups to take the law into their own hands, according to African Centre for Migration & Society (ACMS), University of the Witwatersrand experts Professor Loren B Landau and Dr. Jean-Pierre Misago. “Our investigations show that in townships, ‘community development’…