President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged citizens to avoid intimidation and violence during upcoming anti-migrant demonstrations. These protests coincide with an unofficial deadline set for undocumented foreigners to exit South Africa. In his weekly message, Ramaphosa emphasized that while the country must address immigration policy, protesters must respect the law and the rights of foreign nationals, many of whom contribute significantly to the local economy and society.
The current climate of fear has led thousands of foreign nationals to leave the country. In Durban, transit camps housing Malawians are being cleared, with many residents boarding buses to return home to escape potential hostility. Nelson Mbewe, a migrant preparing to leave, expressed that he felt forced out due to his lack of legal documentation and the presence of xenophobic sentiment.
Authorities have authorized marches in cities such as Johannesburg and Durban but have strictly prohibited the use of traditional weapons. This restriction may create friction with certain groups, such as the Zulu, who traditionally carry items like shields and sticks during protests. Security forces remain on high alert to prevent the outbreaks of violence seen earlier this year. Since the surge in anti-migrant sentiment began, over 12,000 individuals have been deported or repatriated, with nations including Nigeria, Malawi, and Zimbabwe coordinating transport for their citizens.
