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In the industrial town of Benoni, east of Johannesburg, a wave of protests has swept across South Africa, demanding the expulsion of undocumented immigrants. As demonstrations intensify, fears mount among African migrants who now confront a resurgence of xenophobic sentiment, long buried but never truly extinguished. Activists from the group March & March have issued an ultimatum for undocumented individuals to leave the country by the end of June, creating a climate of anxiety and uncertainty.
A Rising Tide of Fear
The streets of South Africa, once a beacon of hope following the end of apartheid, are now echoing with the cries of protesters urging for mass deportations. Reports indicate that five Mozambican nationals lost their lives in violent clashes attributed to xenophobia in late May. South African authorities confirmed that two Mozambicans and one South African were among the casualties of a violent outbreak in Mossel Bay, a coastal town that has become a flashpoint for these tensions.
In Kleinmond, a small town roughly 60 miles south-east of Cape Town, approximately 100 individuals from Mozambique and Malawi were forced to seek refuge in a local town hall after being threatened with violence by local residents. Many are now pleading with their governments for assistance in returning home, with Ghana reportedly arranging flights for hundreds of its citizens.
“Every day, I encounter people gripped by extreme fear,” lamented an Ethiopian entrepreneur, who relocated to South Africa in 2000 and is married to a South African. “The harsh reality is that having legal documentation offers no shield against violence.”
Historical Context of Xenophobia
South Africa’s complex relationship with immigration has deep roots. Historically, the nation has relied on migrant labour, especially in its mining sector. Nelson Mandela’s post-apartheid vision welcomed African migrants, yet the economic hardships and rampant poverty that plague neighbouring countries have pushed many to seek refuge in South Africa.
Yet, as unemployment levels soar—hitting a staggering 43.1%—resentment towards immigrants has grown. Data from the Human Sciences Research Council reveals that the percentage of South Africans willing to accept all immigrants has plummeted from 25% in 2020 to a mere 15% last year. This backdrop of economic despair has led many to scapegoat immigrants for their struggles, igniting violence and unrest.
In 2008, violent riots claimed the lives of 62 individuals, including 21 South Africans, and displaced over 150,000. More attacks erupted in 2015, claiming several lives. The current atmosphere bears a striking resemblance to those turbulent times, as the campaign group March & March, founded in early 2025, embarks on a nationwide crusade against undocumented migrants.
Political Ramifications
The protests have not only captured public attention but have also become a focal point for political parties in the lead-up to local elections in November. Smaller factions, such as ActionSA and Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto we Sizwe, are leveraging the anti-immigration sentiment to garner support, while the ruling African National Congress (ANC) finds itself navigating a treacherous political landscape.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged the rising concerns surrounding immigration, promising a stricter crackdown on both illegal entrants and corruption within the border control authorities. “We cannot allow our legitimate concerns to be exploited to destabilise the nation,” he stated in a recent address, urging against the incitement of violence.
However, political analysts warn that the volatile nature of the protests poses reputational risks for parties aligning themselves with the anti-immigrant movement. Otlotleng Mokgatle of Control Risks cautions that any backlash could result in chaos, as history has shown the dangerous consequences of xenophobic rhetoric.
The Human Toll
As the situation deteriorates, the plight of African immigrants remains precarious. Sandy Khumalo, a Zimbabwean resident with a legal permit, expressed her mounting anxiety. “I’ve called South Africa home since 2009, but now I feel a constant sense of stress and worry,” she said, highlighting the emotional toll these events are inflicting on the immigrant community.
In a nation grappling with its identity, the fear and uncertainty faced by immigrants serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles within society.
Why it Matters
The resurgence of xenophobia in South Africa underscores a troubling trend that not only threatens the safety of countless immigrants but also points to deep-rooted societal issues. As economic disparities widen and political tensions escalate, the narrative surrounding immigration will undoubtedly shape the future of the country. With the potential for violence looming large, the world watches closely, aware that South Africa’s stability hinges on how these tensions are managed.