How xenophobia went viral in South Africa | TV Shows
South Africa Faces Surge in Xenophobia Fueled by Online Campaigns
South Africa is grappling with a resurgence of xenophobia, reportedly driven by a targeted digital campaign orchestrated by anti-migrant groups. As inflammatory rhetoric gains traction in mainstream news outlets, many South African journalists are investigating the underlying forces propelling this movement.
Experts continue to analyze the implications of this xenophobic backlash, which has intensified in recent weeks. This trend has raised concerns among media professionals regarding the sources and motivations behind the growing hostility towards migrants.
Among those contributing to the discourse are:
- Qaanitah Hunter, Host of The Debrief
- Aimee-Noel Mbiyozo, Senior Research Consultant at the Institute for Security Studies
- Haru Mutasa, Correspondent for Al Jazeera English
- Herman Wasserman, Department of Journalism at Stellenbosch University
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In Venezuela, a natural disaster has uncovered significant governmental shortcomings. Authorities have responded by imposing strict controls on journalists attempting to report on the situation. Analyst Tariq Nafi discusses the government’s efforts to manipulate the narrative surrounding this crisis.
Globally, governments face a pressing challenge: addressing the impact of social media on teenagers. The Listening Post reporter Meenakshi Ravi examines the motivations behind social media bans and questions whether policymakers are addressing the root issues concerning adolescent safety online.
Experts featured in this analysis include:
- Preston Byrne, Tech and Free Speech Lawyer
- Daisy Greenwell, Co-founder of Smartphone Free Childhood
- Tama Leaver, Professor of Internet Studies at Curtin University
- Kate Sim, Director of the Children’s Online Safety and Privacy Research Program
This report was published on July 5, 2026.