Understanding Xenophobic Attacks in South Africa: A Systematic Literature Review

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Bethuel Sibongiseni Ngcamu

Abstract

South Africa is seen as an intolerant country when it comes to black immigrants of African origin. The existing literature agrees with this narrative on the hostility and resentment faced by immigrants, but there is limited empirical data on the effectiveness of government interventions. This study, therefore, systematically reviews the literature on the common themes that define xenophobia in South Africa. It examines the literature on the impact of xenophobic attacks on victims and the effectiveness of government response strategies. The study’s findings demonstrate that peer pressure, failure to provide the promised basic needs to the citizens, and denialism by the government all contribute to the xenophobic attacks in South Africa. The government’s ineffective interventions and scapegoating are seen as exacerbating the impact of attacks against immigrants.

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How to Cite
Ngcamu, B. S. (2025). Understanding Xenophobic Attacks in South Africa: A Systematic Literature Review. Modern Africa: Politics, History and Society, 12(2), 83–113. https://doi.org/10.26806/modafr.v12i2.246
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Author Biography

Bethuel Sibongiseni Ngcamu, University of South Africa, South Africa

He is a NRF C3 rated researcher and holds two PhDs in education and public management. He started his career as a geography teacher in a secondary school and later joined the eThekwini Municipality as a Consultant and Management Advisor to the City Manager on Research. He is an Associate Professor in Public Administration and Management at the University of South Africa in Pretoria and the former Head of the Department of Public Management and Leadership at Nelson Mandela University. E-mail: ngcamuzaa@gmail.com