South African Groups Condemn Treatment of Migrants by Officials

South African organizations and individuals released a joint statement on 26 May 2026 condemning recent actions by state officials toward migrants, including refugees and asylum seekers. " It said the individuals had sought protection after being displaced by vigilante groups.

The signatories stated that the migrants were subjected to public humiliation, intimidation, and force instead of receiving protection. They described the conduct as a violation of human rights and an affront to the rule of law. The statement also criticized public representatives for what it called intentional fueling of anti-migrant hostility ahead of local government elections.

It accused leaders across the political spectrum of scapegoating migrants rather than addressing governance and economic issues. The organizations and individuals said they condemned the exploitation of marginalized migrants for political leverage.