More than a decade on, xenophobia and anger toward migrants remain a key political issue in South Africa. Many locals believe foreigners are taking jobs and accessing public services meant for citizens. Yet, Kenyans are often cited as a rare exception.
The unemployment rate in the country remains one of the highest in the world, at around 33%.
This is something new: opposition parties – like uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), led by former President Jacob Zuma, whose main support base is in KwaZulu-Natal – have latched on to populist policies that support the expulsion of undocumented migrants.
Consequently, in recent years, there has been a rise of vigilante anti-migrant groups, like Operation Dudula and March on March, which have gained notoriety for their demands that foreign nationals be removed from the country. “Dudula” means “to remove something by force” in the Zulu language.
Kenyans Win Respect in South Africa for Law-Abiding and Respectful Conduct
A recent social media post asking why South Africans are not “chasing away” Kenyans has sparked widespread discussion online, with hundreds weighing in.
South African Facebook users, while commenting on the post, said Kenyans are embraced because they maintain a low profile, respect local laws, and integrate quietly into communities.
“Kenyans behave like human beings who understand life,” says Brandon Peace Seleke. “They don’t go to other countries demanding land, political influence, or control. They are silent, respect rules, and only want stability for their families and a peaceful life. It’s like they don’t even exist because they don’t interfere in many things.”
Other users echoed his sentiments. Deejay Petizo said, “We love Kenya people here in South Africa because they are very peaceful and respectful. They even support our local artists and DJs. Kenya is the only country in Africa that I want to visit.”
Tebogo Matlala added, “We are chasing foreigners who have bad behaviors, not Kenyans.”
Dennis Kinzi observed, “Kenyans respect people, acknowledge that they are foreigners, and behave themselves. They love everyone.”
Mogomotsi Manamela praised ordinary Kenyans, noting they “never overcrowd or suffocate us, they don’t steal, they are civilized and morally relevant, well-groomed, cultured, nurtured, and behaved. Our brothers and sisters.”
Also Read: Kenya Reinstates Visa-Free Status for South African Passport Holders
Others highlighted their law-abiding nature. Shayne Bantu Tatane said, “Kenyans know how to live amongst others without causing problems and push legitimate businesses.”
Olebogeng Boniface Vorster added, “They follow the correct channels, comply with visa conditions, and are mature, orderly, and respectable people.”
At the same time, Sgananda Phum’enkandla observed that Kenyans are very well-behaved and don’t even know they are here.
“Even if we try to look for them, we won’t find them because they are too busy behaving. There are only two types of nations that you will find everywhere in SA doing as they please and overstaying their welcome, and they know themselves,” she said.
Echoing this sentiment, Eddie Mn’wanati said, “People from Kenya, Ghana, Botswana, Lesotho, and Swaziland are our brothers. They always come for the right reasons, with papers, and legally. South Africans just hate criminals and those who try to cross borders illegally, while we have proper entry points.”
Also Read: US Threatens South Africa Over Diplomatic Row Involving Americans and Kenyans
South Africa and Kenya Strengthen Strategic Partnership with Trade, Investment, and Bilateral Agreements
South Africa and Kenya enjoy long-standing, mutually beneficial, and cordial relations, re-established in 1994. South Africa values Kenya as a strategic partner in the East African region and on the continent.
In addition, South Africa and Kenya have, to date, signed more than 28 Agreements and MoUs across various sectors, including Agriculture, Sports, Education, Home Affairs, Defense and Correctional Services, Water and Sanitation, Government Printing Works, Tourism, Trade, Industry and Competition, Transport, and Environment.
Kenya is one of South Africa’s largest trading partners in Africa, outside the SADC region. There are more than 60 South African companies operating in Kenya, investing across various sectors of the economy.
