Abstract
The history of migration across the world is replete with episodes of anti-migrant activism which has oftentimes escalated into anti-migrant vigilantism in some communities. Even in Europe and North America, there was a crisis of refugees and migrants from 2015-2016 when the regions experienced a surge of anti-migrant vigilantism targeting refugees and asylum from Syria and Asia as host communities engaged in patrols at the borders or streets of European and North American countries through various associations and militias. In South Africa, the rapid increase in migrants into the country – which has been coincided with the deterioration of economic conditions of citizens, unemployment, poverty and inequality in the country – has witnessed a rise in vigilantism against migrants and anti-immigration activism in recent times. This has heighted since mid-2021 in the period preceding the run up to the South African Municipal Elections, with host communities especially in Johannesburg resorting to mass street movements and processions that have collectively taken unofficial action against undocumented migrants and those migrants suspected of engaging in illegal activities. Whilst several studies have largely been descriptive-focusing on describing the trends and patterns in anti-migrant vigilantism in South Africa-there has not been an in-depth analysis dwelling on the legality, appropriateness, and sustainability of this phenomenon. Using secondary data analysis, and two key theories – the Vigilante Rituals Theory and the Social Contract Theory – as theoretical frames of analysis; this paper sought to interrogate the extent to which vigilantism against migrants in South Africa is legal, appropriate and sustainable. Findings are critical in identifying a range of legal, policy and strategic options that are available for all stakeholders affected to address both the causes, drivers, and consequences of the anti-migrant vigilantism phenomenon.