The University of Ghana (UG) has issued a strict travel advisory to all employees and students, urging them to avoid all travel to South Africa following a sharp rise in xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks across the country. The warning, released on Monday, July 6, 2026, reflects growing concerns over public safety, violent demonstrations, and systemic discrimination targeting foreign nationals, including Ghanaians.
Rising Tensions and Security Risks in South Africa
In recent weeks, South Africa has witnessed widespread protests and violent clashes directed primarily at foreign nationals, particularly those perceived as undocumented immigrants. While authorities and some protestors claim the violence is targeted only at illegal migrants, eyewitness accounts, social media footage, and official reports indicate that legally residing foreigners—including students, business professionals, and even South African citizens of foreign descent—have been subjected to harassment, assault, and displacement.
Key developments include:
– Violent mob attacks in major cities such as Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, where foreign nationals have been beaten, robbed, and forced to flee.
– Disruptions to public services, including transportation shutdowns, business closures, and restricted movement in affected areas.
– Systemic discrimination, with reports suggesting that language barriers (e.g., non-Zulu-speaking individuals being targeted) and racial profiling have exacerbated tensions.
The South African government has struggled to contain the unrest, with police presence insufficient in some regions, leaving foreign communities vulnerable.
UG’s Official Response: A Mandatory Travel Ban
In its formal advisory, the University of Ghana’s management explicitly prohibited all travel to South Africa—both for official and personal reasons—until further notice. The decision was framed as a precautionary measure to safeguard the safety, security, and well-being of its 1,200+ students and 10,000+ staff who may have been considering or planning trips to the country.
Key directives from the advisory include:
1. Suspension of all travel approvals – The University has instructed deans, department heads, and administrative officers to halt the processing of any travel requests to South Africa.
2. Caution for current residents – Those already in South Africa were advised to:
– Avoid protest sites, crowded areas, and demonstrations.
– Monitor local news and official alerts from South African and Ghanaian embassies.
– Stay in contact with UG’s International Office and Ghanaian diplomatic authorities.
– Follow instructions from local law enforcement and avoid confrontations.
3. Repatriation efforts – The advisory highlighted Ghana’s ongoing evacuation of citizens, with 926 Ghanaians repatriated between May and June 2026. Of these, 900 have undergone medical screening and are awaiting further transportation.
Broader Regional Reactions: Mass Repatriations and Diplomatic Crackdowns
The University of Ghana’s warning aligns with regional responses from neighboring African nations, which have accelerated repatriation efforts in response to the crisis.
- Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Uganda have evacuated thousands of their citizens ahead of a June 30, 2026 deadline, imposed by South African authorities to deport undocumented migrants.
- Nigeria, Kenya, and Botswana have also issued travel advisories, urging citizens to leave South Africa immediately or avoid non-essential travel.
- The African Union (AU) has condemned the violence, calling for international intervention to protect foreign nationals, while South Africa’s government has faced international criticism for its slow response to the crisis.
Why the Concern? A Pattern of Systemic Xenophobia
The recent wave of attacks is not an isolated incident. South Africa has a long history of xenophobic violence, with similar outbreaks in 2008, 2015, and 2019 resulting in dozens of deaths, mass displacements, and economic losses. The root causes of these tensions include:
– Economic competition – Foreign nationals, particularly from Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria, are often blamed for job displacement in informal sectors.
– Political rhetoric – Some South African leaders and media outlets have stoked anti-immigrant sentiment, framing foreign nationals as burdens on public resources.
– Police inaction – Reports suggest that local law enforcement has, at times, failed to intervene effectively, allowing mob violence to escalate.
What This Means for Ghanaians in South Africa
For Ghanaian students, researchers, and professionals currently in South Africa, the situation remains volatile. While the University of Ghana has not ordered an immediate evacuation, it has strongly recommended heightened vigilance. Those who must remain are advised to:
– Register with the Ghanaian High Commission in South Africa for real-time updates.
– Carry copies of legal residency documents (visas, work permits, student passes) to prevent wrongful detentions.
– Avoid public gatherings and use alternative transportation if protests are reported in their area.
– Have an emergency evacuation plan, including pre-arranged contacts with Ghanaian authorities.
Looking Ahead: Will the Crisis Escalate Further?
Experts warn that without decisive government action, the situation could worsen before it improves. Possible future developments include:
– Further repatriation waves – If South Africa enforces its June 30 deadline, more African nations may face mass deportations.
– Economic fallout – Businesses reliant on foreign labor (e.g., construction, agriculture, and hospitality) may suffer losses.
– Diplomatic tensions – The African Union and individual nations may intensify pressure on South Africa to protect foreign nationals.
Final Recommendations from the University of Ghana
Until further notice, the University of Ghana has reiterated its stance:
✅ No travel to South Africa for any purpose.
✅ Current residents must exercise extreme caution and follow all safety protocols.
✅ Students and staff should check UG’s official communications for updates.
✅ Those with urgent business needs should consult the International Office before considering alternative arrangements.
As the xenophobic crisis in South Africa deepens, the University of Ghana’s advisory serves as a critical reminder of the real-world risks faced by African nationals abroad. With regional governments taking aggressive repatriation measures, the message is clear: South Africa is not currently a safe destination for Ghanaians or any foreign nationals.
For the latest updates, UG students and staff are encouraged to monitor official channels and adhere strictly to safety guidelines until the situation stabilizes.