South African Tourism has condemned recent anti-immigrant attacks in parts of the country and has reassured travellers from the continent of their safety following reports of cancelled bookings linked to protests and isolated incidents targeting foreign nationals.

In a statement issued on 28th May 2026, the national tourism body said it is closely monitoring developments and working with government and tourism industry partners to protect traveller confidence and safeguard South Africa’s standing as one of Africa’s leading destinations.

The authority strongly condemned all acts of intimidation, violence, discrimination and unlawful conduct directed at foreign nationals, stressing that such actions are unacceptable and inconsistent with South Africa’s constitutional values.

“These actions are unacceptable, do not reflect the values of our democracy, and stand in direct opposition to the spirit of Ubuntu that defines South Africa and its people,” the organisation wrote in the release.

South African Tourism further assured travellers that the country remains open, safe and welcoming. It said law enforcement agencies are actively monitoring the situation, while government continues to engage communities to promote stability, safety and social cohesion.

“South Africa remains committed to being a safe, welcoming and accessible destination for travellers from across Africa and the world,” they added.

The reassurance follows heightened concern in several African capitals after images and reports of unrest circulated widely on social media. In some cases, the developments prompted diplomatic engagement, travel advisories and precautionary evacuation measures by some governments seeking to support affected nationals.

South African Tourism acknowledged the impact of the incidents on traveller sentiment, particularly within Africa, where such developments can quickly influence booking decisions.