Category / Xenowatch Reports
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Xenophobic Discrimination in South Africa: An Overview of Trends, Effects, and Responses (2022–2024)
This comprehensive analysis tracks incidents of xenophobic discrimination, displacement, and responses nationwide between the period of 2022 -2024. Drawing on verified data, the report highlights key trends, the impact on affected communities, and the urgent need for stronger, coordinated action. Read the full report here.
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Strengthening Strategic Engagement and Movement Building for Migrant Rights in South & Southern Africa
This second research brief by the African Centre for Migration & Society (ACMS) critically explores the evolving political, legal, and socioeconomic terrain facing migrant rights organisations in South and Southern Africa. Drawing from workshops, interviews, and policy analysis, it outlines heightened securitisation of migration, discriminatory economic regulations, and the marginalisation of NGOs through state rhetoric…
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From Deprivation to Mobilization: Towards a Multideterminant Model of Xenophobic Violence in South Africa
Drawing on extensive and comparative qualitative data from a nearly two-decade long and ongoing research, this article responds to inadequacies and limitations of current causal explanations for xenophobic violence in South Africa. The article argues that existing explanations are inadequate as many lack empirical backing and others are incomplete due to their reductionist approach. To…
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Strengthening Strategic Engagement and Movement Building for Migrant Rights in South & Southern Africa
Migration and xenophobia remain central issues in SA’s public discourse, particularly in the lead up to the 2024 national elections where they became key rallying points. This brief draws from a research project (‘Strengthening Strategic Engagement and Movement Building for Migrant Rights in South & Southern Africa’) that aims to investigate the viability of movement…
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Outsider Resentment, Public Disengagement and other Factors Affecting Social Cohesion and Collective Violence in Orange Farm
This report presents findings of research conducted by the African Centre for Migration and Society (ACMS) in Orange Farm, City of Johannesburg in April, and October 2022. Conducted as part of -and for- the Kagisano programme, this research builds on -and updates- an original study conducted in the same area in 2017. The 2017 study…
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Policy decision-making pandering to political populism? the non-renewal of Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEPS) by South Africa
This policy brief discusses the issue of the non-renewal of the Zimbabwe Exemption Permits (ZEPs) and contends that the decision taken by the DHA was a populist move that failed to address the well-being of those affected. Furthermore, the policy brief advances the views of civil society organisations and others who have urged the state…
