A South African activist, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, has accused the Ghanaian government of exaggerating reports of xenophobic attacks on Ghanaians living in South Africa, as Ghana prepares to evacuate hundreds of citizens who say they fear for their safety.
Ngobese-Zuma, leader of the March and March Movement in South Africa, described the situation as a “PR gimmick” during a press conference, insisting that claims of widespread attacks on Ghanaians had been blown out of proportion.
Her comments come just days before Ghana begins the evacuation of the first batch of citizens who voluntarily opted to return home from South Africa amid growing tensions and fears of violence.
South African activist rejects xenophobia claims
According to Ngobese-Zuma, the controversy began after a Ghanaian allegedly entered South Africa illegally and was confronted by local activists.
She argued that the incident was isolated and should not have been portrayed as a nationwide attack against Ghanaians.
“The Ghanaian government overreacted. We have a lot of respect for the people of Ghana, but for them to claim that their people were beaten up when they were not is largely dishonest,” she said.
Ngobese-Zuma further claimed that many Ghanaians living legally in South Africa continue to go about their businesses peacefully without facing attacks or intimidation.
The activist is a prominent figure in South Africa’s anti-illegal immigration movement and is widely known for advocating stricter border controls and the deportation of undocumented migrants.
Ghana prepares evacuation of citizens from South Africa
The controversy comes at a sensitive diplomatic moment between Ghana and South Africa.
Authorities are preparing to evacuate at least 800 Ghanaians who have voluntarily requested to return home over safety concerns.
The first batch of about 300 evacuees is expected to arrive in Ghana on Wednesday, May 27.
Some affected Ghanaians have alleged that groups of South Africans invaded their homes, assaulted them and forcefully evicted them from their communities.
The reports have sparked anxiety among families back home in Ghana and triggered widespread discussions on social media about the safety of Ghanaians living abroad.
Xenophobic tensions raise diplomatic concerns
Reports of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa have generated concern across several African countries in recent weeks.
Some South Africans involved in anti-immigrant protests have accused foreign nationals of taking jobs and economic opportunities that should belong to locals.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has publicly condemned violence linked to xenophobic tensions and called for calm.
Despite those assurances, tensions remain high in some communities, especially in areas where anti-immigration demonstrations have intensified.
The situation has also prompted diplomatic engagement between Ghana and South Africa as officials work to prevent further escalation.
International relations analysts have warned that persistent attacks or inflammatory rhetoric could strain relations between the two countries and fuel retaliatory sentiment against South African-owned businesses operating in Ghana.
Why the issue matters
The growing tension highlights broader concerns about migration, unemployment and economic hardship across parts of Africa.
South Africa has repeatedly experienced outbreaks of xenophobic violence over the years, often targeting migrants from other African countries.
For many Ghanaians, the latest developments have revived fears about the safety of citizens working and living abroad.
The evacuation effort is also expected to place pressure on Ghanaian authorities to provide reintegration support for returnees who may come back without jobs, housing or financial stability.
