“It’s Not Patriotism, It’s Violence”: SA Woman in Ghana Speaks Out on Xenophobic Attacks in KZN

• A South African woman living in Ghana spoke out against xenophobia, saying it should not be confused with patriotism
• Her comments came amid tensions and protests targeting foreign nationals in KwaZulu-Natal
• The situation has drawn international attention, with officials condemning violence and calling for lawful processes
• Briefly News spoke to Janice Graver, a South African currently based in Ghana, who shared her perspective on the recent xenophobic tensions in KwaZulu-Natal and reflected on how these events are viewed from outside the country

Conversations about identity, belonging, and safety often become emotional, especially when they cross borders. What one person sees as protection, another may experience as exclusion. In moments of tension, voices from outside the immediate situation can sometimes bring a different kind of perspective, one that challenges how things are being understood.

A South African woman currently living in Ghana has sparked discussion online after sharing her views on xenophobia following recent tensions in KwaZulu-Natal. In a video posted on 25 April 2026, @janicegreaver addressed the issue directly, stating that xenophobia should not be mistaken for patriotism. She emphasised that violence and intimidation against foreign nationals cannot be justified, regardless of the circumstances.

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User @janicegreaver's comments come in the wake of protests in parts of KwaZulu-Natal, where foreign-owned businesses were targeted, and communities experienced heightened tensions. Some demonstrations involved individuals demanding that foreign nationals provide documentation, raising concerns about unlawful actions by civilians.

Comments spark conversation on violence issues

The situation escalated to the point where Ghana formally raised concerns, summoning South Africa’s acting high commissioner to address reports of harassment involving its citizens. While no fatalities were confirmed, the incidents have drawn criticism from both local and international leaders.

Authorities in South Africa have since reiterated that members of the public do not have the authority to enforce immigration laws. Police officials have urged communities to report concerns through proper legal channels rather than taking matters into their own hands.

The acting Minister of Police also condemned the violence, warning that acts of intimidation, looting, or harassment would not be tolerated. Law enforcement agencies have been instructed to respond firmly to any criminal activity linked to the unrest.

Janice told Briefly News that living abroad has given her a different perspective on what is happening back home.

“As a South African, being far from home does not diminish my concern for the country. If anything, it has sharpened my perspective because I’m now seeing through two lenses, as a South African and as an outsider. South Africa does face real challenges around illegal immigration, unemployment, crime and weak enforcement in certain areas, and those frustrations should not be dismissed. But when frustration is expressed through vigilantism, profiling and collective blame, that is where we enter dangerous territory.”

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She said South Africa risks damaging both its moral standing and its relationships with the rest of the continent if xenophobic violence becomes normalised.

“For decades, South Africa represented shared humanity over division. When violence against fellow Africans becomes normalised, that legacy is diminished. There is also a strategic cost because trust, goodwill and solidarity take generations to build. South Africa has long been loved and admired across Africa, something I only truly understood once I travelled and lived in other African countries myself. It would be deeply unfortunate if we squandered that goodwill through short-sighted reactions to challenges that require lawful and intelligent solutions.”

Janice also reflected on her experiences living in Ghana and Nigeria, saying they challenged many assumptions about African unity and coexistence.

“My experience in both Ghana and Nigeria has been overwhelmingly positive. I’ve encountered warmth, hospitality and a strong sense of shared African identity. I didn’t even realise how recognisable South African culture was, or how loved our music is across the continent. I think South Africans could benefit from more exposure and interaction with other Africans because many stereotypes are formed in environments where people only encounter foreigners through tension or competition over resources.”

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She urged South Africans to address issues like illegal immigration and crime lawfully without losing compassion and humanity in the process.

“Illegal immigration should be addressed decisively and lawfully, and crime should be dealt with firmly regardless of who commits it. But we must not lose our humanity in the process. Once we begin to treat nationality as guilt, we move from justice into prejudice. South Africa gave the world the language of Ubuntu, the idea that our humanity is bound together. We should not abandon that moral inheritance when it is most needed.”

Janice ended by reminding the broader African community that extreme voices online do not represent all South Africans.

“Most South Africans do not hate you. I understand why it may appear otherwise when the loudest and most extreme voices dominate headlines, but noise should not be mistaken for consensus. There are many South Africans who value African solidarity and reject violence and xenophobia. My hope is that Africa judges us not only by those who shout the loudest.”

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Check out the TikTok video below:

South Africans reacted to Xenophobic attacks

Thabomokoena8697 said:

“My sister, come back and spend an hour in Kempton Park CBD.”

Francis Doku said:

“As a Ghanaian and pan-African, this is one of the most beautiful and thoughtful analyses on this situation. Thank you.”

Abraham Mogano said:

“I am also South African, currently in Nigeria, looking for opportunities. I totally agree with you, changing bad perceptions through lived experiences.”

It ’s_DrumPIPO said:

“I am a Ghanaian living in South Africa, and I totally agree with you, Janice. The biggest issue is generalising and painting everyone with the same brush. We should deal with people individually. Peace be on Africa. 🫶🏼”

Angel said:

“As someone who loves all Black people, the current events are breaking my heart. I stand with my country, but I don’t like how everything is going down.”

LeSilenced’or said:

“This video is the cup of water I needed to calm my anger. Thank you. ☺️”

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Felizo said:

“Well spoken, my sister, one love. ❤️”

Josh Mangena said:

“I acknowledge your wisdom, my sister; you are one in a million.”

3 Other Briefly News stories related to xenophobia

• The United Nations, led by Secretary-General António Guterres, has condemned rising xenophobic violence in KwaZulu-Natal.
• The Police Ministry in South Africa has strongly condemned recent xenophobic attacks targeting Ghanaian nationals and other African foreigners.
• Ghana has summoned South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner, Thando Dalamba, over reported xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals.

Source: Briefly News