Pretoria — A leading African affairs scholar has warned that recurring xenophobic attacks in South Africa are eroding the country’s soft power and weakening its standing as a regional leader on the continent.
Christopher Isike, Professor of African Politics and International Relations at the University of Pretoria, made this known in a telephone interview, stressing that violence against fellow Africans contradicts the country’s leadership aspirations.
He said such attacks diminish South Africa’s image as a key voice in regional and continental affairs, particularly within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), where it is widely regarded as a sub-regional powerhouse.
“South Africa presents itself as a gateway to Africa and a leader in the region, but these actions subtract significantly from its soft power,” Isike said.
The scholar noted that South Africa’s membership in influential global and economic platforms such as BRICS and the G20 places higher expectations on the country to uphold inclusive and progressive values.
He questioned how the country intends to sustain its leadership position while failing to ensure the safety and inclusion of other Africans within its borders.
Isike attributed the persistence of xenophobic violence partly to weak enforcement and inconsistent prosecution of offenders, urging authorities to take decisive action to deter future incidents.
He emphasised that such attacks are not only morally unjustifiable but also detrimental to South Africa’s economic and diplomatic interests, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
According to him, South Africa stands to benefit significantly from migrant skills and regional economic integration, given its relatively industrialised economy.
“If South Africa fully understands this, it should not allow such behaviour to continue, as it risks losing the benefits of integration,” he said.
Isike further warned that continued attacks could strain diplomatic relations and reduce cooperation from other African countries, while also compounding existing trade challenges, including those linked to the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) with the United States.
He called on the South African government to intensify public awareness campaigns promoting peaceful coexistence and regional unity, while urging other African governments to take proactive steps to protect their citizens abroad.
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Citing Ghana’s approach as a model, Isike stressed the need for coordinated diplomatic engagement to address the issue.
He concluded that South Africa’s long-term growth and influence depend on openness and cooperation, noting that many of its citizens live and work across the continent, and warning that an inward-looking posture could undermine its future prospects.
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