Migrants Flee As Xenophobic Violence Escalates In South Africa

Hundreds of African migrants are fleeing their homes in parts of South Africa’s Western Cape Province following a surge in anti-immigrant protests that have left several people dead and many others displaced.

In the coastal town of Kleinmond, migrants from Mozambique and Malawi have taken refuge in a local town hall after angry crowds reportedly went door-to-door demanding that foreign nationals leave the community.

Among them is Mozambican migrant Lado Amido, who says he fled into nearby mountains after protesters targeted his home and stole his belongings. He spent two nights hiding before seeking shelter with other displaced migrants.

The violence comes amid a wider wave of anti-immigrant demonstrations across South Africa. Authorities in Mozambique say at least five of their citizens were killed during xenophobic attacks in the town of Mossel Bay over the weekend.

Many migrants now fear for their safety, with some choosing to return to their home countries through voluntary repatriation programmes organised by their governments.

Xenophobic attacks have long been a challenge in South Africa, where immigrants are often blamed for unemployment, crime, and economic difficulties despite a lack of evidence supporting those claims.

Speaking in parliament, Cyril Ramaphosa condemned the recent violence while calling for greater attention to migration challenges facing the country.

Local officials say many of the displaced migrants are legally living and working in South Africa. Some children who were attending school in Kleinmond are now unable to return to class because of safety concerns.

One Malawian migrant, Michael Markson, said he spent a night hiding in the mountains after being warned that protesters armed with sticks and knives were searching for foreigners.

With tensions remaining high, many displaced migrants say they face a difficult choice between returning to struggling economies back home or remaining in communities where they fear for their lives.