PRETORIA – In a disturbing escalation of anti-migrant sentiment, hundreds of foreign nationals have been forced to abandon their homes in South Africa, seeking refuge in mountains and community halls as violent mobs target them. This harrowing exodus comes amidst a backdrop of rising xenophobia and a newly announced crackdown on illegal immigration by President Cyril Ramaphosa, a move that has been met with both apprehension and a desperate hope for order.
The recent surge in violence has seen at least five Mozambican nationals killed, a grim statistic confirmed by their government, which has also reported approximately 300 citizens fleeing back across the border. Ghana and Nigeria have initiated emergency repatriation flights, underscoring the severity of the crisis. The situation has been described by some as being "chased away like dogs," a stark reminder of the dehumanising experiences faced by those caught in the crossfire of anti-foreigner aggression.
A Deadline and a Crackdown
The current wave of unrest has been significantly fuelled by anti-migrant groups, notably "March and March" and "Operation Dudula," which have issued a chilling ultimatum: undocumented migrants must leave the country by June 30. While the South African government has clarified that no official deadline exists, the threat has galvanised vigilante actions, with reports of mobs brandishing whips, sticks, wooden clubs, and even axes, going door-to-door to enforce their demands.
President Ramaphosa, addressing the nation, acknowledged the public's frustration regarding illegal migration and its perceived strain on public services. He outlined a comprehensive five-point strategy to address the issue, which includes:
- Cracking down on immigration law violators: This involves stricter enforcement and penalties for those who flout immigration rules.
- Strengthening border security: Efforts to secure South Africa's porous borders are being intensified.
- Stamping out corruption within the immigration system: Recognising that corruption often facilitates illegal migration, measures are being put in place to combat it.
- Closing loopholes in immigration law: The government aims to revise laws that have been exploited by undocumented immigrants and criminal syndicates.
- Working with other African countries: Ramaphosa plans to dispatch envoys to neighbouring nations to discuss these new measures and foster regional solutions.
However, the President also issued a stern warning against vigilantism, stating, "I must make it clear that only the authorised government officials may act against violations of the law, including violation of our immigration laws. No other person is allowed, for example, to confront someone in the street to demand proof of nationality." He further cautioned against those exploiting legitimate concerns for political, personal, or criminal agendas, and condemned social media campaigns spreading misinformation.
The Human Cost of Xenophobia
The human toll of this escalating xenophobia is profound. In the Overberg region of South Africa's Western Cape Province, hundreds of African migrants fled their homes after reports of intimidation and the deaths of two Mozambicans in Mossel Bay. Many sought refuge in community halls, on beaches, or in nearby mountains. Some have chosen to return to their home countries, with groups boarding buses to Malawi and Mozambique.
Thomas Vincent Baloyi, a Mozambican who has lived in South Africa for nearly 16 years, recounted his terrifying experience to AFP: "They said 'you are a foreigner, you don't belong in South Africa, so you must go'. I said, 'no, I got documents to be here in South Africa'. They didn't want to know. They just chased us away like dogs… that is unfair because, actually, I'm a human being." He described spending a night in the bush after being forced from his home.
Local councillor Msa Nomatiti reported that in an informal settlement in Gansbaai, locals turned on foreigners, with some groups allegedly accompanied by police during their door-to-door searches. He stated that over 500 people had fled their homes, with many losing their passports due to beatings and being "dragged out of their houses."
Another tragic incident highlights the indiscriminate nature of the violence. Nhlamulo Sambo, a 19-year-old Tsonga South African, was allegedly killed in Mossel Bay after being mistaken for a foreigner. His mother insists he was targeted because he was Tsonga, a stark illustration of how anti-foreigner sentiment can tragically spill over to target South Africans themselves based on ethnic identity.
Economic Pressures and Political Agendas
Ramaphosa acknowledged that the concerns of South Africans about illegal immigration are "real" and "deserve to be heard." He pointed to South Africa's persistently high unemployment rate, particularly among young people, and the strain on public services as contributing factors to the public's anxiety. However, he was careful to distinguish between legitimate concerns and xenophobia, stating, "We must recognise that illegal immigration is not the cause of all our economic challenges. The answer must be faster economic growth, greater investment, industrial expansion, infrastructure development and the creation of millions of new jobs."
The President also highlighted the role of unscrupulous employers who exploit undocumented migrants by paying them well below the minimum wage. He announced plans to hire 10,000 inspectors to crack down on such businesses, with tougher penalties, including imprisonment, for those found guilty. The government also aims to discontinue green ID books, which have enabled identity theft, in favour of a digital ID system, and relocate refugee reception centres to border posts to streamline the asylum process.
Some analysts suggest that the resurgence of anti-migrant sentiment could be linked to local elections scheduled for November, with political actors potentially exploiting public frustrations for electoral gain. Ramaphosa implicitly addressed this, vowing to "act against forces who are exploiting the concerns of our people about illegal immigration to further their own political, personal or criminal agendas."
A Call for Unity and Ubuntu
Despite the challenges, Ramaphosa ended his address on a note of hope, appealing for national unity and upholding the constitutional values of Ubuntu. "Our country – like many others throughout history – is a product of migration. It is the reason for our diversity and contributes to our vibrancy," he stated. He affirmed that South Africa can protect its borders while simultaneously protecting human dignity and upholding its laws while preserving its Constitution.
However, the reality on the ground remains fraught with danger for many foreign nationals. Talibo Mbewe, a Malawian sheltering in a community hall, articulated the desperate choice many face: "The thieves, they have already taken all our stuff at home, so we don't have anything. But it's better to go home without anything than to lose our lives."
The crackdown on illegal immigration, coupled with the ongoing xenophobic attacks, paints a complex and volatile picture for South Africa. While the government seeks to assert control over its borders and address legitimate concerns, the immediate safety and well-being of thousands of foreign nationals remain precarious, forcing many to make unimaginable choices in the face of fear and violence.
