South African TikToker Ayanda Mokwana has sparked discussion online after criticizing the growing hostility many African migrants and visitors face in South Africa.
In a passionate message, Mokwana urged South Africans to reflect on how they treat foreigners, warning that continued xenophobia could have long-term consequences for the country’s reputation and future.
“I need South Africans to be humbled,” she said. “I’m praying for the day that we take a hard look at ourselves, because if we continue down this path, we will eventually pay the price for it.”
Her comments highlight a troubling reality. Too often, migrants, visitors, and other non-South Africans are subjected to ridicule, discrimination, and hostility, both online and offline. Many are mocked for their accents, their inability to speak local languages, or simply for being from another country.
This behavior is frequently dismissed as humor or harmless banter. In reality, it reflects a deeper problem.
Being deliberately disrespectful to people because they come from somewhere else is not humor. It is prejudice.
The contradiction becomes especially clear when tourists visit South Africa and share positive experiences. Whether they are exploring Cape Town, Mpumalanga, Durban, Johannesburg, or other parts of the country, many visitors post videos praising South Africa’s beauty, culture, and hospitality. Yet instead of welcoming these positive messages, some South Africans respond by telling them to “go back home.”
Such reactions raise an important question: Why reject people who are actively promoting South Africa to the world?
South Africa already faces significant challenges regarding its international image. News coverage often focuses on crime, violence, and economic difficulties. Positive stories from visitors can help counter those perceptions and encourage tourism, investment, and cultural exchange.
Instead of embracing those opportunities, hostility toward foreigners often undermines them.
At the same time, South Africans frequently express concern about unemployment, slow economic growth, and limited opportunities. Many argue that the country needs more investment, more tourism, and stronger international partnerships. These goals become more difficult to achieve when visitors and migrants feel unwelcome.
The reality is that South Africa, like every nation, is connected to the rest of the world.
South Africans travel abroad. They study overseas. They seek employment in foreign countries. Many build successful lives far from home. Just as South Africans hope to be treated with dignity and respect abroad, they should extend that same respect to those who come to South Africa.
No country exists in isolation.
Mokwana’s criticism also points to another uncomfortable truth. Public frustration is often directed toward the wrong people.
Tourists, immigrants, and foreign workers are frequently blamed for problems they did not create. Meanwhile, many of the individuals responsible for poor governance, corruption, economic inequality, and policy failures remain insulated from public anger.
Instead of demanding accountability from those in positions of power, society too often turns against vulnerable groups who have little influence over the challenges facing the country.
This cycle benefits no one.
South Africa’s strength has always been rooted in its diversity, resilience, and ability to bring people together across differences. Preserving those values requires rejecting xenophobia and embracing a culture of respect and inclusion.
The message is simple: be kinder, be more welcoming, and direct frustration toward the real causes of national problems rather than innocent people seeking opportunity, safety, or connection.
South Africa can do better.
And that change begins with all of us.
