Ghana has airlifted 300 of its nationals from South Africa following a surge in anti-immigrant violence that has seen shops looted, vehicles torched, and at least two people killed in Johannesburg and Pretoria. The evacuations, conducted through a series of charter flights coordinated with the Ghanaian High Commission in Pretoria, underscore the deteriorating security situation for foreign nationals in South Africa’s economic heartland. The United Kingdom has offered to mediate between the two countries, a gesture that reflects international concern over the xenophobic attacks that have erupted in the wake of rising unemployment and strained public services.
The violence, which began in early September in the township of Alexandra, has spread to other areas including the central business district of Johannesburg. Targets have included Nigerian-owned businesses, but citizens from other African nations such as Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Ethiopia have also been affected. The Ghanaian government’s decision to evacuate its citizens came after weeks of warnings and the closure of several Ghanaian-owned shops. “We cannot stand by while our people are threatened,” said Ghana’s Foreign Minister Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey. “South Africa must do more to protect foreign nationals.”
The evacuation operation faced logistical challenges. Many evacuees had lost their passports and other documents in the chaos. Charities and community groups in South Africa have been providing temporary shelter and assistance to those stranded. The Ghanaian government has promised to help evacuees rebuild their lives upon return, but the economic impact is severe. Remittances from South Africa are a significant source of income for families in Ghana, and the sudden loss could strain household finances.
The UK’s offer to mediate comes as South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the violence but struggled to contain it. The South African government has deployed additional police officers to hotspots but has also acknowledged the frustration among citizens over high unemployment and competition for jobs. The UK Foreign Office statement emphasised the importance of dialogue: “We urge all parties to work towards a lasting solution that ensures the safety of all residents.”
The situation has exposed deep fissures in South African society. Many citizens feel that foreign nationals are taking scarce jobs and housing. Economic stagnation, with unemployment at 29 per cent, fuels resentment. However, studies show that immigrant-owned businesses often create jobs and stimulate growth. The violence has been condemned by African Union chairman Moussa Faki and other regional leaders, who have called for a more robust response from Pretoria.
For the evacuees arriving in Accra, relief mixed with anger. “We left everything behind,” said one evacuee interviewed upon landing. “We built lives there, but if they don’t want us, we come home.” The Ghanaian government has set up a reception centre at Kotoka International Airport, offering counselling and temporary accommodation. Neighbouring Nigeria, which had earlier evacuated hundreds of its citizens, has demanded compensation for lost property.
The UK’s mediation offer is seen as an opportunity for a broader reset in relations between African nations. However, divisions remain. South Africa’s opposition parties have accused the government of mishandling the crisis, while others warn that the evacuations could escalate tensions further. The long-term solution, analysts argue, lies in economic policies that address inequality and create opportunities for all residents.
The situation remains fluid. Further evacuations are planned if conditions worsen. The Ghanaian government has established a hotline for citizens in South Africa to request assistance. The UK’s role, meanwhile, will depend on both countries’ willingness to engage. For now, the priority is safety as hundreds return to a country they once left for opportunity.
