Media coverage on SA ant-immigration protests in the spotlight

South Africa is once again confronting growing tensions between some local communities and foreign nationals, amid concerns over illegal immigration, unemployment, crime, and competition for economic opportunities.

Recent incidents in KwaZulu-Natal, particularly in Estcourt, saw foreign-owned shops looted following anti-immigration protests, raising fears of renewed xenophobic violence and social instability.

Political leaders, human rights organisations, and several African governments have condemned the attacks and called for calm.

The situation has also placed the spotlight on media coverage, with traditional and social media playing a significant role in shaping public perceptions. While some argue that the media is exposing genuine community frustrations, others believe certain reporting and online content may be fuelling tensions, misinformation, and hostility towards foreign nationals.

We discuss this with Eden Harris, Chief Special Correspondent for Connecting Africa News in Ghana, and William Bird of Media Monitoring Africa.

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