By Stephen Boakye, Kumasi, Ghana | Reporting for Ghanaian News, Canada | May 12, 2026
Fresh anxiety is spreading among African migrants in South Africa following renewed reports of xenophobic attacks and forced closures of foreign-owned businesses in parts of the country.
According to Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Anani Quashie, some local officials are now allegedly participating directly in actions targeting legally resident foreign nationals.
The situation reportedly escalated in Estcourt, near Durban, where a local mayor is accused of shutting down businesses owned by Ghanaians and other African migrants before handing the facilities over to local residents.
“The mayor in Estcourt has taken keys belonging to Ghanaians and other African migrants who are genuinely and legally working in his area. He has taken the keys, handed over their shops and businesses to locals,” Mr Anani Quashie disclosed on JoyNews’ PM Express.
He added that nearly 25 Ghanaians have already been affected by the operation.
“A lot of Ghanaians are affected. We have close to about 25 Ghanaians whose businesses have been closed,” he said.
The High Commissioner explained that the matter extends beyond Ghanaian nationals, noting that Nigerian and Angolan diplomats have also lodged complaints after their citizens reportedly suffered similar treatment.
He revealed that affected countries are preparing a legal challenge against the directive.
“We’ve told them that we’re going to fight this legally. No law in South Africa gives the mayor the right to say whatever he’s saying. We’re going to ensure that the right thing is done,” he stressed.
Diplomatic missions from affected African countries have reportedly submitted statements and evidence to the legal department of the African ambassadors’ group as preparations for legal action continue.
The latest development has revived painful memories of previous xenophobic violence in South Africa, where foreign Africans have repeatedly faced hostility, destruction of property, and deadly attacks.
Commentary | Stephen Boakye (Triggers)
Africa cannot preach unity while Africans continue to become enemies of fellow Africans on African soil. Xenophobia weakens regional brotherhood, damages economic cooperation, and creates fear among innocent migrants trying to survive legally. If these reports are accurate, African governments and regional bodies must speak strongly and act decisively before tensions worsen.
