Despite xenophobia in South Africa being a highly researched topic due to its persistent presence in the country, and significant evidence showing how politicians exploit it for electoral gain, there is limited research on how this played out in the 2024 national elections. Immigration became a central issue for political parties in the lead-up to the election, with some parties emphasizing it more than others. This research focuses on three smaller parties, namely, The Patriotic Alliance, ActionSA, and the vigilante group-turned-political party, Operation Dudula, to examine how xenophobia was used as a political tool. Through a qualitative desk study, this paper employs the ethnic outbidding theory alongside thematic analysis to identify three key themes that guided the analysis. The findings reveal that these parties harnessed xenophobia to varying degrees and in different ways to mobilize voter support during the elections. This study contributes to the broader discussion on xenophobia as a political tool, a highly relevant issue today given the rising anti-immigrant rhetoric observed in both Europe and the United States. By specifically examining smaller parties, this research highlights their significant role in shaping political discourse around immigration, emphasizing the need for further studies on their influence and impact on democratic societies.