South Africa’s anti-migrant campaigns use the language of democracy: why that’s dangerous

South Africa’s anti-migrant campaigns use the language of democracy: why that’s dangerous

Anti-migrant campaigns in South Africa are increasingly being framed as acts of community protection. Protesters present their efforts as a response to community concerns about crime, unemployment and failing public services. Leaders of these campaigns claim that weak border controls, ineffective immigration enforcement and undocumented migrants have contributed to deteriorating living conditions in many communities. These campaigns are framed a…