Xenophobic attacks and peace marches

In April 2015, attacks on foreign nationals in Durban and Johannesburg led to deaths, displacement and the closure or looting of some foreign-owned businesses. The government responded with policing, military-supported operations and diplomatic outreach, while thousands of South Africans joined peace marches and campaigns for coexistence.

The violence was part of a recurring pattern rather than an isolated event. Local grievances about jobs, housing, services and crime were repeatedly channelled into hostility toward migrants, while community organisers and civil-society groups contested that scapegoating.

Significance

Demonstrated that the pattern of violence exposed in 2008 had not ended, while the public response also showed organised solidarity with migrants.