The Migrant Workers Association of Lesotho (MWAL) has lodged a strong complaint to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), accusing anti-immigrant groups in South Africa of orchestrating a sustained campaign of intimidation, violence and discrimination against foreign nationals, including thousands of Basotho migrant workers.
In a strongly worded letter addressed to the SAHRC complaints unit, the Lesotho-based migrant rights organisation painted a grim picture of what it described as “persistent and alarming human rights violations” being meted out against foreign nationals in South Africa.
The complaint, signed by MWAL’s Executive Director Lerato Nkhetše, comes amid renewed tensions around immigration in South Africa, where anti-foreigner movements such as Operation Dudula have intensified campaigns targeting undocumented migrants and foreign-owned businesses.
“I am writing to formally express my grave concerns regarding the persistent and alarming human rights violations targeting foreign nationals in South Africa,” Nkhetše wrote.
“Reports suggest that these violations are often perpetrated by organised groups and community movements, creating an environment of fear and insecurity for these individuals.”
The letter is one of the strongest public condemnations yet by a Lesotho organisation of the growing hostility faced by Basotho and other migrant workers in South Africa.
For decades, South Africa has been a major destination for Basotho migrant labourers working in mines, farms, factories, construction sites and domestic service. However, worsening economic conditions, unemployment and political rhetoric around immigration have fuelled resentment toward foreign nationals.
MWAL warned that the situation has now deteriorated into what it believes is systematic persecution.
The organisation described itself as “a dedicated non-governmental organization that operates independently and is committed to serving the community without pursuing profit.”
It added that it advocates for “all migrant workers and their families to have equitable access to essential public goods and services, free from discrimination related to migration status.”
According to the association, the abuse being suffered by migrants violates key sections of the South African Constitution, including rights to equality, dignity, freedom and personal security.
“As a stakeholder with a dedicated focus on the rights of migrant workers, I have systematically documented numerous incidents that indicate serious contraventions of critical provisions outlined in Sections 9, 10, 12, and 22 of the South African Constitution,” Nkhetše stated.
“These sections safeguard the rights to equality, human dignity, freedom, and security of the person, and the right to freedom of movement and residence.”
The organisation said the alleged violations also undermine South Africa’s obligations under international human rights treaties.
In the complaint, MWAL outlined what it called four major categories of abuse. The first involved violent attacks and intimidation against migrants.
“There has been a troubling uptick in reported incidents where foreign nationals are violently targeted in numerous settings, including public spaces, workplaces, and informal settlements,” the letter reads.
“These reports detail shocking acts of physical assault, including beatings, threats of violence, and forced displacement from their homes and communities.”
The association warned that such attacks “not only endanger the lives of individuals but also contribute to a culture of fear.”
The second allegation concerned looting and destruction of migrant-owned property.
“Numerous accounts reveal that the property owned by foreign nationals, including shops and residences, has been systematically looted or destroyed, particularly during protests and what are referred to as ‘clearing’ operations,” the letter states.
“The loss of livelihood and shelter has devastating effects on families and communities, making recovery an arduous process.”
The third concern raised by the association was what it described as escalating hate speech directed at foreigners.
“The dissemination of hate speech has become alarmingly prevalent, particularly through public statements and platforms such as social media,” Nkhetše wrote.
“This rhetoric fosters a climate of hostility and promotes dehumanizing views toward foreign nationals, which can incite further violence and discrimination.”
MWAL also accused anti-migrant groups of denying foreigners access to basic services.
“Foreign nationals frequently report systemic barriers preventing them from accessing basic rights, including employment, markets, and healthcare,” the organisation said.
“Being barred from these essential services solely based on nationality is a clear violation of their rights and exacerbates their vulnerability.”
The association directly named Operation Dudula as one of the groups allegedly linked to the abuses.
“Since its emergence in 2022, this group has garnered significant media attention for its controversial tactics. They have conducted raids on businesses and residences in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and other provinces, often demanding proof of citizenship from individuals and aggressively expelling foreign nationals,” the letter stated.
“This organised activity raises serious questions about legality and human rights protections.”
The organisation further cited activities by “Put South Africa First” and Dudula-affiliated movements, accusing them of organising marches, confronting foreign traders and forcing shops to close in Johannesburg and Pretoria.
“Such actions create an atmosphere of intimidation that directly impacts the livelihoods of foreign nationals and their ability to coexist peacefully within South African society,” the letter reads.
MWAL also drew parallels with previous waves of xenophobic violence that rocked South Africa in 2008, 2015 and 2019, leaving scores dead and thousands displaced.
“It is also vital to recognise the troubling continuity of these incidents,” Nkhetše wrote.
“These events have been documented by the SAHRC and various civil society organisations, underscoring the systemic nature of this issue.”
The concerns raised by the Lesotho organisation mirror growing alarm among South African civil society groups and human rights activists over the conduct of anti-immigrant movements.
Last year, the SAHRC welcomed a landmark ruling by the Johannesburg High Court against Operation Dudula, describing the group’s conduct as unlawful and xenophobic.
According to the ruling, Operation Dudula and its leaders were interdicted from demanding identity documents from private individuals, harassing non-nationals, blocking migrants from accessing healthcare and schools, or unlawfully evicting foreign nationals from homes and trading spaces.
The court action followed complaints by advocacy organisations including Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia and the South African Informal Traders Forum, which accused the group of intimidation, hate speech and unlawful vigilantism.
International media and human rights organisations have also documented incidents involving migrants being denied healthcare access at public clinics in Gauteng.
An Associated Press investigation last year reported that members of Operation Dudula stationed themselves outside clinics, demanding identity documents from patients and turning away foreign nationals, including pregnant women and sick patients.
The report said migrants were told to seek treatment at private hospitals despite many being unable to afford private healthcare.
Critics have accused anti-migrant groups of scapegoating foreigners for South Africa’s economic hardships, unemployment crisis and failing public services.
Experts quoted by international publications have argued that migrants are increasingly being used as political targets amid growing frustration over poverty and inequality.
Despite acknowledging that “not every action taken by these groups necessarily constitutes unlawful behavior,” MWAL said the broader pattern of targeting people based solely on nationality was deeply troubling.
“The troubling trend of targeting individuals solely based on their nationality raises critical concerns regarding violations of fundamental rights,” the organisation said.
MWAL has urged the SAHRC to launch a full-scale investigation into the allegations.
Among its demands, the organisation wants the commission to “conduct a thorough investigation into the reported violations,” engage with the groups involved and issue recommendations aimed at protecting foreign nationals from further abuse.
It also offered to provide testimonies and additional evidence to support investigations.
The complaint is likely to resonate strongly in Lesotho, where many families depend on remittances from relatives working in South Africa.
Although Basotho migrants have historically enjoyed relatively easier movement into South Africa due to geographic and economic ties, many still face documentation challenges and remain vulnerable to anti-immigrant crackdowns.
Rights groups have warned that continued hostility toward migrants could strain regional relations within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and undermine long-standing labour migration arrangements between Lesotho and South Africa.
For many Basotho migrant workers living in fear across the border, MWAL’s letter represents a rare but forceful attempt to publicly confront what the organisation calls an escalating “culture of fear” engulfing foreign nationals in Africa’s largest economy.
Summary
- The Migrant Workers Association of Lesotho (MWAL) has lodged a strong complaint to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), accusing anti-immigrant groups in South Africa of orchestrating a sustained campaign of intimidation, violence and discrimination against foreign nationals, including thousands of Basotho migrant workers.
- In a strongly worded letter addressed to the SAHRC complaints unit, the Lesotho-based migrant rights organisation painted a grim picture of what it described as “persistent and alarming human rights violations” being meted out against foreign nationals in South Africa.
- “As a stakeholder with a dedicated focus on the rights of migrant workers, I have systematically documented numerous incidents that indicate serious contraventions of critical provisions outlined in Sections 9, 10, 12, and 22 of the South African Constitution,” Nkhetše stated.
Seabata Mahao is a general news reporter with special focus on Business and Sports. Started working at Newsday in 2021. Working in a team with a shared goal is what I enjoy most and that gives me the motivation to work under any environment leading to growth.
