Thousands of foreign nationals have already departed amid fears of violence, while authorities prepare for anti-migrant demonstrations in several cities…reports Africa Daily News Desk
President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged South Africans planning to protest against migrants to do so peacefully and without resorting to intimidation or violence, as the country prepares for an unofficial deadline demanding undocumented foreigners leave South Africa.
The president’s appeal comes as anti-migrant demonstrations are expected to take place in Durban, Johannesburg and other cities, with authorities warning organisers to ensure protests remain peaceful. Police say they are prepared for any disruption and have prohibited the carrying of traditional weapons during the marches.
In his weekly newsletter, Ramaphosa acknowledged public concerns over immigration while stressing that lawful foreign residents are protected by South Africa’s Constitution.
“Some foreign nationals who live in South Africa are here lawfully,” he wrote. “They work, study, raise families, invest in our economy and contribute positively to our society. They too are entitled to the protection of our laws and our Constitution.”
He also reminded protesters that, “The right to protest and freedom of expression does not allow people to threaten or intimidate others, or to engage in acts of vandalism or violence.”
South Africa is home to more than three million documented foreign nationals, according to official figures. The latest tensions have prompted several thousand citizens from other African countries to leave South Africa in recent weeks, fearing violence linked to growing anti-migrant sentiment.
Thousands of migrants have spent weeks waiting in temporary transit camps while arrangements are made for them to return home. In Durban, one of the cities that has seen some of the largest demonstrations, authorities have begun dismantling white tent camps housing mostly Malawian nationals as buses transport people back to Malawi.
Among those preparing to leave is Nelson Mbewe, who said he had travelled to South Africa to find work and support his family in Malawi. “But we’ve faced challenges, they’re saying we should go back home because we do not have the right documents,” he said.
“They say we are Makwerekwere,” he said, referring to a xenophobic slur used against African migrants from neighbouring countries. “It’s their country, so what can we do? That’s why we have accepted that we just have to [unwillingly] go back home.”
Another undocumented Malawian said he was “happy to be going back” but “heartbroken” to be leaving behind his four young children. Hassan Phiri, who is still waiting to be processed for repatriation, appealed for unity.
“All I want to say to South Africans is that we are all one. No matter what is happening, no matter what will happen, Africa must remain Africa. Africa can’t be Africa without South Africa… without Malawi, without anywhere,” he said, adding: “So whatever will happen, we must love each other and stick together as Africa.”
The South African government says more than 12,000 immigrants have been deported or repatriated since the latest wave of protests began earlier this year. It also says about 3,500 foreign nationals have volunteered to leave the country, with Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria and Zimbabwe organising repatriation flights and bus services.
South African authorities have claimed that more than 500 Nigerians repatriated during the operation did not have the correct documentation, a claim disputed by Nigeria.
Police have warned that enforcing restrictions on traditional weapons could create tensions during Tuesday’s marches because many demonstrators are ethnic Zulus, who traditionally carry shields, sticks and whips during public processions.
Xenophobia has remained a persistent issue in South Africa for many years and has periodically erupted into violence. According to the African Centre for Migration and Society’s Xenowatch tracker, two people have been killed in xenophobic incidents this year. In 2008, more than 60 people died during widespread attacks targeting non-South Africans.
