South Africa is on the verge of a tense week as authorities ramp up security measures in anticipation of planned demonstrations against undocumented foreign nationals. The country’s economic hub, Johannesburg, has seen a significant increase in security personnel, with the South African National Defence Force also present. This heightened security comes in response to vigilante groups, such as March and March, who have set an unofficial deadline of 30 June for undocumented migrants to leave the country.
The protests, organized by anti-migration vigilante groups, have sparked concerns of potential violence and looting. Organizers insist their demonstrations will remain peaceful, but there have been reports of harassment and violence against both documented and undocumented migrants. Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, the leader of March and March, has publicly stated, “We are not calling for violence … No one will be killed on 30 June and no looting will take place in our name.”
Security measures and historical context
The deployment of security forces is a preemptive measure to prevent a repeat of past incidents of mass-scale looting and mob violence. The 2008 anti-migrant riots, which resulted in 62 deaths, serve as a stark reminder of the potential for violence. More recently, in, the country experienced its deadliest unrest since the end of apartheid, with over 350 people killed following the imprisonment of former president Jacob Zuma for contempt of court.
In the lead-up to the deadline, there have been reports of men armed with sticks and chanting “abahambe” (meaning “they must leave” in isiZulu and isiXhosa) targeting migrants in Johannesburg and Durban. These incidents have resulted in the deaths of five Mozambican nationals, according to a statement from Mozambique’s government.
The migrant situation in South Africa
Foreign-born migrants make up an estimated 4% of South Africa’s population of 62 million people. Despite claims that their numbers could be as high as 15-20 million, many migrants work in the informal sector, driven by economic strain in neighboring countries. South Africa, as one of Africa’s largest economies, attracts thousands seeking employment opportunities.
However, crime statistics reveal that only a small fraction of crimes are committed by foreigners, challenging the popular narrative perpetuated by protest organizers. In a country grappling with high unemployment rates and wealth disparity, African migrants often become scapegoats for broader societal issues.
International response and government stance
Several governments, including those of Nigeria, Ghana, Malawi, and Uganda, have repatriated hundreds of their citizens ahead of the deadline. Social media footage has shown dozens of Malawians camping outside their consulate in Johannesburg, awaiting processing and transport out of the country.
South African authorities have been criticized for their seemingly weak response to the escalating violence. President Cyril Ramaphosa recently reiterated the country’s stance against intolerance, stating, “There is no place for racism, sexism, tribalism, xenophobia, Afrophobia, or any other form of intolerance.” As the country braces for the upcoming protests, the international community watches closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the growing tension.
