Blaming foreigners for poor social services is ‘scapegoating’

The recent anti-immigration protests in Gauteng have reportedly led to a decline in patient numbers at some clinics, highlighting a concerning trend of blaming foreigners for systemic issues in South Africa's social services. This scapegoating not only diverts attention from the real problems—such as underfunding and mismanagement—but also risks further straining community relations and healthcare access for everyone. Understanding the root causes of service failures is crucial for effective policy-making and ensuring that all citizens, regardless of origin, receive the care they need.