Key facts
- Undocumented migrants in South Africa face threats and a June 30 deadline to leave the country.
- Migrants report intimidation, violence, and demands to return to their home countries.
- Thousands of migrants have gathered in Durban seeking refuge and repatriation.
- President Ramaphosa has spoken out against xenophobia and scapegoating.
- Several neighboring African countries are repatriating their citizens.
- Protesters cite economic hardship and strain on public services as reasons for their actions.
South Africa is experiencing a surge in xenophobia, with anti-migrant groups setting a June 30 deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave the country. Migrants, particularly those from neighboring African nations, report facing severe intimidation, threats of violence, and being forced from their homes. Many are seeking refuge in makeshift camps or volunteering for repatriation.
Esnat Joseph, a Malawian woman with triplets, described being threatened by a group of armed South African men who demanded she leave the country. Her husband was injured in the encounter. She has since fled her home in Durban and is staying in an open field with thousands of other foreigners.
Protest organizers, such as the group March and March, deny their actions are xenophobic, arguing they are addressing the country's economic challenges, including high unemployment and strained public services, which they believe are exacerbated by illegal immigration. They emphasize that countries should prioritize their own citizens.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the scapegoating of vulnerable people and outlined a government strategy to manage illegal migration, which includes stricter asylum processes and penalties for employers hiring undocumented migrants. However, fears remain of a repeat of past xenophobic violence that has led to deaths and displacement.
Several African countries, including Ghana, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe, have been organizing repatriation efforts for their citizens who wish to leave South Africa. Even legally documented migrants and refugees report experiencing fear, harassment, and discrimination.