Thousands of foreign nationals have left South Africa in recent weeks ahead of an unofficial June 30 deadline set by anti-migrant groups for undocumented immigrants to leave the country, amid fears of violence.
The departures come as protests against undocumented migration gather momentum across several cities, prompting South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to urge demonstrators to remain peaceful and respect the rights of lawful residents.
In his weekly newsletter, Ramaphosa stressed that while citizens have the right to protest, they must do so without resorting to intimidation, threats or violence.
“Some foreign nationals who live in South Africa are here lawfully. 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 said.
“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,” he added.
According to official figures, South Africa is home to more than three million documented foreign nationals.
In Durban, one of the cities that has witnessed some of the largest anti-migrant demonstrations, authorities have begun dismantling temporary transit camps housing mostly Malawian nationals preparing to return home.
One undocumented Malawian, Nelson Mbewe, said he travelled to South Africa in search of work to support his family but had accepted returning home after facing hostility.
“They’re saying we should go back home because we do not have the right documents. They say we are Makwerekwere,” he said, referring to a derogatory term used against African migrants.
Another Malawian, Hassan Phiri, appealed for unity across the continent.
“All I want to say to South Africans is that we are all one. Africa can’t be Africa without South Africa, without Malawi, without anywhere. Whatever happens, we must love each other and stick together as Africa,” he said.
Anti-migrant marches have been authorised for June 30 in Durban, Johannesburg and other cities. Police have warned organisers to ensure the demonstrations remain peaceful and have prohibited protesters from carrying traditional weapons, despite concerns that some participants may attempt to do so.
The South African government says more than 12,000 undocumented immigrants have been deported or repatriated since the latest wave of protests began earlier this year.
Several countries, including Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria and Zimbabwe, have also organised voluntary repatriation programmes by air and road, with about 3,500 foreign nationals choosing to return home.
Xenophobic attacks have remained a persistent challenge in South Africa over the years. According to the African Centre for Migration and Society’s Xenowatch tracker, two people have been killed in xenophobic incidents this year.
The country experienced one of its deadliest outbreaks of anti-immigrant violence in 2008, when more than 60 people were killed during widespread attacks targeting foreign nationals.
