Johannesburg: Thousands of foreign nationals are leaving South Africa as anti-immigrant sentiment reaches a boiling point ahead of a self-imposed June 30 deadline set by anti-immigrant groups. These groups have threatened a nationwide shutdown if the government fails to take significant action against undocumented immigrants, planning widespread demonstrations on the deadline date. According to France24.com, the rise in anti-foreigner sentiment has led to protests in several major cities, resulting in the deaths of three individuals, including a Malawian man and two Mozambican nationals, during recent clashes in KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape provinces. In response, the South African Police Services have launched a $36 million operation to prevent violence, with acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia emphasizing zero tolerance for lawlessness. The South African government announced measures in early June to address the issue of undocumented nationals, including plans to crackdown on Immigration Act violat ions and enhance border security. This initiative comes in response to pressure from anti-immigrant groups and includes efforts to modernize the immigration system in cooperation with other African nations. Amidst these tensions, foreign nationals have been seeking refuge and repatriation. FRANCE 24 reported on the plight of refugees like Marjolain Mabako, who has lived in South Africa for over 22 years but is now forced to seek shelter outside the Home Affairs offices in Durban. Mabako, along with hundreds of others, awaits repatriation to the Democratic Republic of Congo, a country still embroiled in conflict. The situation is dire for many, including Christian Tchizungu, a refugee from Bukavu, DRC. Tchizungu and his wife, who previously managed a beauty salon in Durban, now find themselves on the streets. With the threat of increased violence looming, Tchizungu feels returning to the DRC might be their only option despite the ongoing conflict there. The South African government's intensified immigration enforcement has led to a significant increase in deportations, with a 46 percent rise over the past two financial years. More than 8,000 foreign nationals have been processed for repatriation at the Beitbridge border post in recent weeks, highlighting the scale of the crisis. The anti-immigrant group March and March, along with an estimated 20 other groups, has been actively leading protests, with a strong emphasis on the June 30 deadline. The rise of such groups has drawn concern from organizations like Lawyers for Human Rights and Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia, which have condemned the violence and the rhetoric fueling these tensions. Sharon Ekambaram, head of the Refugee and Migrant Rights Programme at Lawyers for Human Rights, expressed alarm over the attacks on foreign nationals, noting that many victims hold legal refugee status in South Africa. She criticized political parties for scapegoating migrants, especially with local elections approaching, and warned against diverting attention from issu es like corruption and mismanagement that impact South Africa's working-class population. With the June 30 deadline fast approaching, the situation remains tense. Hundreds of refugees and asylum-seekers are seeking legal assistance, fearing for their safety and going into hiding to avoid violence. Ekambaram emphasized the need for South Africa to uphold human rights and become a beacon of hope on the continent.
