The US Mission issued the security alert on 9 October, saying it was monitoring protests and unrest at various locations across the country.
Americans were advised to remain aware of their surroundings, follow local news and obey instructions from police and other authorities.
The guidance also urged citizens to check their journeys and consider alternative routes around demonstrations, placing immediate emphasis on movement and personal safety.
In its 9 October security alert, the mission warned that large protests could become dangerous. Gulf News, which reproduced the guidance, reported that Americans were also directed to review the existing South Africa Travel Advisory.
The alert follows anti-migrant demonstrations in Johannesburg’s Soweto township and Durban on 8 October, where vehicles were burned and foreign-owned shops looted. Police said conditions had stabilised in both areas the following day.
Immigration dispute behind the unrest
A Constitutional Court ruling on 7 July established that people seeking asylum could not be excluded from the application process solely because of procedural shortcomings, including entering the country irregularly.
The ruling allowed claims to be considered. It did not automatically give applicants refugee status, permanent residence or approval to remain indefinitely. The government has blamed false information about its meaning for contributing to the unrest.
On 9 October, the Department of Home Affairs withdrew a directive issued to refugee reception offices on 28 September to implement the ruling.
According to the government news agency SAnews, the department said offices had been overwhelmed, officials placed at risk and public-safety concerns had emerged.
Home Affairs said it would develop another operational approach to comply with the court order. Withdrawing the directive therefore does not overturn the judgment or remove the department’s obligation to implement it.
Security alert does not change the travel advisory level
The State Department’s published country advisory remains at Level 2: Exercise increased caution, citing crime, terrorism, unrest and kidnapping. Its listed issue date is 27 May 2025, separate from the new embassy alert.
For travellers, the immediate advice concerns avoiding demonstrations and adapting journeys where necessary. For foreign residents and businesses, the unrest creates additional concerns around access to premises, staff travel and the safety of shops in affected areas.
Source: africa.businessinsider.com
