Immigrants contribute 9% to South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), even though they constitute only 6.5% of the nation's total population. This significant economic input comes from a group that is often scapegoated for the country's social and economic challenges.
This finding is detailed in a new report from the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) and the University of Johannesburg. The research directly challenges several widespread anti-immigrant claims prevalent in South Africa. It identifies poor governance and corruption as the true drivers of social ills, rather than immigration.
The report places these findings within a broader context of rising anti-immigrant sentiment across South Africa. This sentiment has led to over 930 xenophobic attacks since 1994, resulting in more than 630 deaths and the displacement of 123,700 people. The study highlights a significant disconnect between public perception and actual data regarding immigrant numbers and their economic impact.
Anthony Kaziboni, a senior researcher at the University of Johannesburg’s Centre for Social Development in Africa, stated the research is highly relevant given the current political climate. He noted that immigrants are frequently blamed by politicians and government officials for issues like high crime rates, failing public services, and job scarcity. This scapegoating deflects attention from domestic governance failures, a pattern also observed in other countries.
The study found that immigrants make up 5.3% of the South African labour market. Each immigrant worker generates approximately two jobs for local citizens, further demonstrating their positive economic contribution. This positive net fiscal impact underscores their value to the national economy.
Lizette Lancaster, head of the ISS Crime Hub, observed a notable increase in anti-immigrant rhetoric and sentiment. She reported that 42% of South Africans now desire no immigrants in the country, a rise from 30% in 2021. This shift indicates the growing influence of identity politics and social media campaigns that target immigrant communities.
Kaziboni highlighted a striking disparity between national beliefs and local experiences. In 2021, nearly half of South Africans believed the country had between 17 million and 40 million immigrants. The actual estimate was approximately 3.95 million, demonstrating a significant statistical error fueled by repeated misinformation.
The report also debunked the myth that immigrants are major contributors to crime. While 66% of South Africans believed immigrants increased crime, research showed only about 6% of households attributed crime to non-South Africans. Undocumented foreigners constituted just 2% of total inmates and 7% to 8% of convicted cases, indicating crime is largely homegrown.
Lancaster emphasized that organised crime requires local involvement to thrive and is not exclusive to migrants. She concluded that migrants are economically beneficial, despite the existence of population-related challenges. The research aimed to provide a factual basis for discussions using credible data, rather than advocating against stricter border controls.
South Africa has faced persistent challenges of poverty, inequality, and unemployment for over a decade. The report suggests that politicians and public officials often use immigrants as scapegoats to divert public anger from their own policy failures. This tactic prevents a focus on the real issues affecting the nation.