‘We fear for our lives’ – deadline for migrants to leave South Africa looms

Escalating Hostility Toward Undocumented Residents

We fear for our lives – South Africa is increasingly hostile toward undocumented migrants, as a critical deadline for their departure nears. Protests led by anti-immigrant groups, opposition parties, and local communities have intensified, pushing the nation’s government to set 30 June as the final date for foreigners without proper legal status to leave. This move has sparked widespread anxiety among migrant populations, particularly those from neighboring countries, who now face the threat of forced removals and public backlash.

Survivors Share Frightening Accounts

Esnat Joseph, a 36-year-old Malawian mother, described the fear gripping her family as they sought safety in an open field near Durban. “I am very scared and traumatised,” she said, holding her sobbing one-year-old triplets. The family fled their informal settlement after being confronted by a group of South African men armed with machetes and whips. “They came to my house and told me: ‘You must leave. We don’t want you people to stay here any longer, so you have to go to your country.’ There were ten of them, and they were carrying weapons,” she recounted. The attackers reportedly injured her husband, leaving him hospitalized after slashing his head and neck. “Because of God, he still survives,” Joseph said, her voice trembling as she spoke to the BBC.

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The people came to my house and told me: ‘You must leave. We don’t want you people to stay here any longer, so you have to go to your country.’ There were ten of them, and they were carrying weapons.”

Protesters Demand Accountability

March and March, an anti-migrant organization, along with the opposition party ActionSA, have been at the forefront of recent demonstrations. Their calls for action have grown louder, with chants of “Mabahambe” – a Zulu term meaning “They must go” – echoing through streets as they organized mass rallies. Over the past two weeks, more than 7,000 foreigners, primarily from Malawi, have gathered in Durban’s informal settlements, packing belongings in anticipation of the upcoming deadline. These groups argue that undocumented migrants have overstayed their welcome, contributing to social tensions and economic strain.

President Warns Against Scapegoating

Despite the protests, President Cyril Ramaphosa has cautioned against blaming vulnerable communities for the country’s economic struggles. “Scapegoating vulnerable people is not the solution to South Africa’s complex economic challenges,” he stated during a Tuesday address. His remarks came as protesters continued their campaigns, emphasizing the need for stricter enforcement of immigration laws. However, critics say the movement has taken on a xenophobic tone, with some groups targeting migrants for the country’s hardships.

Legal Uncertainty and Return Efforts

Joseph, who arrived in South Africa three years ago, has been working as a domestic servant before starting a family. Her legal status remains unclear, as she claims to have lost her passport and other documents during a robbery. “I aim to return to Malawi on one of the buses the Malawian consulate has been arranging with the help of denotations for its desperate citizens,” she explained. Similar repatriation efforts have been underway in Ghana, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe, with approximately 3,500 volunteers from these countries leaving via buses or flights. Authorities have confirmed that the 500+ Nigerians recently repatriated were residing in the country without legal documentation.

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South Africans don’t like foreigners, especially Nigerians. South Africa is not a place to be – it’s a place you can lose your life at any time.”

Statistics Highlight Migrant Population

According to recent data, South Africa is home to over three million foreigners, representing roughly 5% of the nation’s population. Most of these migrants hail from neighboring countries in southern Africa, creating a significant demographic presence. Yet, the statistics do not account for the estimated thousands of undocumented residents, a figure that fuels protesters’ frustrations. They argue that the government has failed to address the growing number of unregistered migrants, many of whom are struggling to survive in a country facing economic uncertainty.

Protesters’ Perspective: A Call for National Prioritization

Organizers of the demonstrations stress that their actions are not rooted in hatred but in a desire to protect South African citizens. March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma told the BBC: “If you come into South Africa with a passport that allows you to stay for 30 days, and then you’re 50 days, or two years, or five years, you know you’re breaking the law.” She criticized the situation where migrants exploit the system, calling it a “victim card” being played by those who overstay their welcome. “We can’t have South Africa becoming a refugee site for all failed African states,” she added. “Every country prioritizes its citizens, and we want the South African government to do the same.”

Public Services Under Pressure

Protesters also cite the strain on public services as a key reason for their discontent. Mecha Ramorola, a local activist, highlighted the daily struggles of South Africans fighting for limited resources. “We are struggling to get our children into schools. We are struggling to get our old people into hospitals,” she said during a march in Pretoria. Her comments reflect a broader sentiment that migrants are consuming resources that could be allocated to local residents, exacerbating feelings of resentment and injustice.

Historical Context and Fear of Escalation

The current unrest echoes past tensions, with some fearing a return to the violence that erupted in 2008. During those riots, 62 people, including 21 South Africans, were killed as mobs attacked shops, homes, and buses, targeting foreigners as scapegoats for the country’s economic woes. While the protests so far have remained peaceful, there is concern that the pressure to leave could lead to a similar escalation. Joseph, who has lived through the upheaval, said: “We fear for our lives, but we have no choice but to stay until the deadline.”

Economic Challenges and Migration Trends

South Africa’s economic struggles have driven many from poorer nations to seek opportunities in the country. With a youth unemployment rate of 32.7% – the highest in the world – and 350,000 jobs lost in the first quarter of 2026, migrants often fill roles in sectors like security and domestic work. Despite these contributions, public sentiment has shifted, with some South Africans perceiving migrants as a drain on resources. The government’s stance remains firm, but the emotional toll on families like Joseph’s is evident, as they prepare to leave in the coming days.

As the deadline approaches, the situation continues to evolve. While aid groups provide blankets and food to those stranded in Durban, the sense of urgency remains high. The clash between migrant communities and local protesters underscores a deeper divide over how to address economic inequality and resource distribution. Whether this will lead to peaceful resolution or renewed violence remains uncertain, but the fear of losing one’s life has become a stark reality for many in the country.