55 minutes | Friday, 31 July 2026
"Migrants didn't create South Africa's problems. They're being made the scapegoat."
Following the controversial 30 June anti-migrant deadline in South Africa, Sharon Ekambaram, Head of the Refugee & Migrant Rights Programme at Lawyers for Human Rights, joins Ireti Bakare-Yusuf on Borderlines to unpack the country's growing xenophobia crisis.
From the violence against migrants and refugees to corruption, inequality, and the failure of government institutions, Sharon explains why migrants have become easy targets while the deeper issues remain unresolved.
She also discusses the role of political rhetoric, media coverage, civil society, and why rebuilding Pan-African solidarity is more important than ever.
Key highlights from this episode:
Why the 30 June anti-migrant campaign gained national attention
How corruption and inequality fuel anti-migrant sentiment
Why refugees and asylum seekers are trapped in South Africa's immigration system
The role of politicians and media in shaping xenophobia
Why Sharon says migrants are being used as scapegoats for government failures
What South Africa and the rest of Africa must do to rebuild Pan-African unity
Do you think migrants are being unfairly blamed for South Africa's economic and social challenges?
Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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