Thousands Of Migrants Fear For Their Safety As South Africa’s June 30 Deadline Nears

Thousands of undocumented migrants in South Africa say they fear for their lives as a June 30 deadline set by anti-migrant protesters for foreigners to leave the country draws closer.

Many migrants, particularly from Malawi, have fled their homes in Durban after reporting threats, intimidation and violent attacks by groups demanding that undocumented foreigners leave South Africa. Around 7,000 people have gathered in temporary camps while awaiting repatriation assistance from their home countries.

One of the displaced migrants, 36-year-old Malawian national Esnat Joseph, said armed men attacked her family, seriously injuring her husband before forcing them to flee. She is now seeking to return to Malawi with her one-year-old triplets.

The protests, led by anti-migrant groups and supported by some political figures, have intensified ahead of the June 30 deadline. Demonstrators argue that undocumented migrants are placing pressure on jobs, schools and public services, while insisting their campaign is aimed at enforcing immigration laws rather than promoting xenophobia.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the intimidation of migrants, warning that vulnerable people should not be blamed for the country’s economic challenges. He also stressed that no individual has the authority to demand proof of nationality from people in public.

Several African countries, including Malawi, Nigeria, Ghana, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, have begun repatriating citizens who have chosen to leave South Africa amid growing fears of violence. More than 3,500 migrants have reportedly returned home in recent weeks.

Human rights groups have warned that the rising hostility could trigger another wave of xenophobic violence similar to previous deadly attacks recorded in 2008, 2015, 2016 and 2019, as thousands of migrants continue to seek safety before the June 30 deadline.