Anti-migrant sentiment and protests have surged in South Africa, fueled by misinformation. While the country faces real migration challenges, official data does not support narratives that migrants are present in vastly greater numbers than official estimates, dominate the economy, or are chiefly responsible for crime and failing public services.

Official statistics, such as the 2022 census, estimated 2.4 million migrants, approximately 3.9% of the population, aligning with global averages. Figures like the widely circulated claim of 15 million undocumented foreigners have been debunked. Even when considering undocumented migrants, they are not excluded from census counts. While population estimates carry some uncertainty, there's no credible evidence to suggest millions of migrants have been missed.

Regarding the economy, national data doesn't show migrants dominating it. While visible concentrations exist in certain areas, these don't represent the whole economy. Evidence suggests migrants can improve prospects for local workers. For instance, one study estimated migrants held about 3.7% of formal jobs and around 18.3% of informal jobs. Research indicates that rather than solely taking jobs, migrants can create employment and boost economic activity through entrepreneurship and multiplier effects, with one report suggesting each migrant worker is associated with about two additional jobs for South Africans.

The article highlights that migration is unlikely to be the main driver of South Africa's high unemployment rate, which has broader economic causes. It emphasizes the need to rely on factual data rather than unsubstantiated claims that deepen social divisions.