The University of Ghana (UG) has issued a strict travel advisory to all its employees and students, urging them to avoid all non-essential travel to South Africa following a sharp escalation in xenophobic and Afrophobic violence across the country. The warning, released on Monday, July 6, 2026, reflects growing concerns over the safety of foreign nationals amid unrest, public disturbances, and violent incidents targeting migrants and visitors.
Escalating Violence and Public Unrest in South Africa
In recent weeks, South Africa has witnessed a wave of coordinated attacks against foreign nationals, particularly those perceived as undocumented immigrants. While some incidents have been directed at individuals living without proper documentation, reports indicate that legally residing foreigners—including students, workers, and even South African citizens of foreign descent—have also been subjected to harassment, assault, and displacement.
Social media has been flooded with videos and testimonies depicting violent clashes, looting, and forced evictions of foreign communities. In some cases, victims have been beaten, robbed, or forced to flee their homes under threat of further violence. The attacks have disrupted normalcy, with businesses, schools, and residential areas experiencing prolonged chaos.
Government Response and Repatriation Efforts
The Ghanaian government has not remained idle, with authorities accelerating repatriation efforts to ensure the safety of its citizens. Between May and June 2026, Ghana has repatriated approximately 926 citizens from South Africa. Of these, 900 individuals have undergone medical and security screenings before being cleared for further transportation back to Ghana.
This move aligns with similar actions taken by neighboring African nations, including Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Uganda, which have also facilitated the return of their citizens ahead of a June 30, 2026 deadline set by South African authorities. The South African government has previously warned that undocumented migrants risk deportation or detention if they fail to regularize their status by the end of June.
University of Ghana’s Official Stance
In its formal advisory, the University of Ghana’s management explicitly advised all staff and students to:
– Refrain from traveling to South Africa for any purpose, whether academic, professional, or personal, until further notice.
– Defer all approved travel plans to South Africa, with responsible officers instructed to suspend new travel authorizations pending a review of the situation.
– Current UG students and employees in South Africa to exercise extreme caution, avoid protest zones, large gatherings, and high-risk areas, and stay informed through local and diplomatic updates.
– Maintain constant communication with Ghanaian diplomatic missions in South Africa and report any security concerns immediately.
The university emphasized that “the safety and well-being of our community remain our top priority,” and that any travel decisions should be made with full awareness of the current risks.
Broader Implications for Foreign Communities
The recent violence has exposed deep-seated tensions in South Africa, where economic hardship, unemployment, and political frustrations have fueled anti-immigrant sentiment. While some perpetrators claim their actions are aimed at “illegal aliens,” witness accounts and evidence suggest that attacks have been indiscriminate, affecting legal residents, students, and even South Africans of foreign descent.
International organizations, including the African Union (AU) and United Nations (UN), have condemned the violence, calling for calm and dialogue to address underlying socio-economic issues. However, until a resolution is found, the risk to foreign nationals—particularly those from Eastern and Southern Africa—remains high.
Recommendations for Safe Travel and Stay
For those who must travel to South Africa for essential reasons, the University of Ghana and Ghanaian embassies recommend:
1. Registering with the nearest Ghanaian diplomatic mission to receive real-time security alerts.
2. Avoiding public demonstrations and crowded areas, as unrest can escalate rapidly.
3. Carrying valid identification and travel documents at all times.
4. Using official transportation and avoiding unmarked vehicles that may be involved in criminal activities.
5. Monitoring local news outlets and government advisories for updates on safe zones.
6. Having an emergency evacuation plan in case of sudden violence or lockdowns.
Conclusion: A Call for Caution and Vigilance
The University of Ghana’s advisory reflects a growing consensus among African governments that South Africa is currently an unsafe destination for non-residents. While the South African government has taken steps to curb the violence, including arrests of ringleaders and crackdowns on illegal gatherings, the situation remains volatile.
Until stability is restored, the university strongly advises against non-essential travel, urging its community to prioritize safety over academic or professional commitments. Those already in South Africa are strongly encouraged to return to Ghana if possible, or stay in designated safe locations under the guidance of Ghanaian authorities.
As the situation develops, further updates will be provided by the University of Ghana’s International Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For now, caution and preparedness are the best measures to ensure the safety of Ghanaian students and professionals abroad.