Immigrants on Edge Amid Rising Xenophobic Tensions in South Africa
In South Africa's economic hub, you'll find a diverse mix of people seeking better opportunities. This includes trained professionals from Zimbabwe driving taxis, Ethiopian restaurateurs, and Congolese merchants selling vibrant textiles.
Some of these immigrants have been in the country for years, others are recent arrivals. Some are legally in the country, while others are not. Nevertheless, they all share a common fear for their safety as xenophobic tensions rise across South Africa, from Johannesburg to Durban to Cape Town.
Xenophobia on the Rise
For months, groups of protesters have been seen marching through the streets, chanting phrases that translate to "They must go." Some of these individuals even claim to conduct "arrests" and check immigration papers, despite having no legal authority to do so.
Foreign-owned businesses are being targeted, people are being driven out of their homes, and numerous immigrants have lost their lives due to violence. The situation is particularly dire in Durban, with thousands of Malawians displaced by the violence and seeking refuge in the open during the winter months.
Escalating Fears
There is a heightened fear among the immigrant community in South Africa. In 2008, xenophobic riots resulted in over 60 deaths, and tens of thousands were displaced. More deadly riots occurred in 2019. This year, a Malawian and several Mozambicans have reportedly been killed.
The group leading the xenophobic movement this time around, March and March, is headed by a former radio presenter. The group has given illegal immigrants until the end of June to leave the country, without specifying the consequences of non-compliance.
Blame for Economic Struggles
These groups accuse immigrants of "stealing jobs." South Africa's unemployment rate is one of the highest globally, exceeding 30%, with youth unemployment surpassing 60%. They also blame the country's high crime rates on foreigners.
However, data suggests that these issues cannot be solely attributed to immigration, but are rooted in years of economic stagnation and government mismanagement.
Government Response
South Africa's President has sought to alleviate tensions, promising to strengthen borders, enforce rules on undocumented immigrants and their employers, and address the country's economic challenges. However, the president is dealing with deeply entrenched xenophobic sentiments, making his task of condemning violence and addressing demands quite delicate.
The Fear of Uncertainty
Many immigrants now fear that the government's attempts to quell the tensions may be too late. They dread the approaching deadline set by March and March.
One such immigrant, a carpenter from Malawi, shares that the police regularly demand bribes from those without the correct papers. Now, he faces the additional threat of the xenophobic protesters and contemplates returning to his home country. His sentiments are echoed by another immigrant from Zimbabwe, who feels that he has no choice but to stay despite the risks.
Facing the Future
These immigrants are anxious about their futures in South Africa. They have seen friends lose their homes and businesses and don't know what the future holds for them. They liken the situation to a war zone, where nationality offers no protection.
Some immigrants believe the animosity stems from jealousy because many of them operate successful businesses. Others think it's politically motivated, hoping for calmer times after the local elections in November.
Living in Fear
A pregnant woman from the Democratic Republic of Congo, who fled her home country 15 years ago after a horrific incident, shares her fears. She's been told to return to her country, but she can't forget her past. She's afraid for herself and her children and doesn't know where she'll be able to give birth.
She describes the current situation as feeling like a war zone, similar to the conditions she fled in her home country.
In South Africa's economic hub, you'll find a diverse mix of people seeking better opportunities. This includes trained professionals from Zimbabwe driving taxis, Ethiopian restaurateurs, and Congolese merchants selling vibrant textiles.
Some of these immigrants have been in the country for years, others are recent arrivals. Some are legally in the country, while others are not. Nevertheless, they all share a common fear for their safety as xenophobic tensions rise across South Africa, from Johannesburg to Durban to Cape Town.
Xenophobia on the Rise
For months, groups of protesters have been seen marching through the streets, chanting phrases that translate to "They must go." Some of these individuals even claim to conduct "arrests" and check immigration papers, despite having no legal authority to do so.
Foreign-owned businesses are being targeted, people are being driven out of their homes, and numerous immigrants have lost their lives due to violence. The situation is particularly dire in Durban, with thousands of Malawians displaced by the violence and seeking refuge in the open during the winter months.
Escalating Fears
There is a heightened fear among the immigrant community in South Africa. In 2008, xenophobic riots resulted in over 60 deaths, and tens of thousands were displaced. More deadly riots occurred in 2019. This year, a Malawian and several Mozambicans have reportedly been killed.
The group leading the xenophobic movement this time around, March and March, is headed by a former radio presenter. The group has given illegal immigrants until the end of June to leave the country, without specifying the consequences of non-compliance.
Blame for Economic Struggles
These groups accuse immigrants of "stealing jobs." South Africa's unemployment rate is one of the highest globally, exceeding 30%, with youth unemployment surpassing 60%. They also blame the country's high crime rates on foreigners.
However, data suggests that these issues cannot be solely attributed to immigration, but are rooted in years of economic stagnation and government mismanagement.
Government Response
South Africa's President has sought to alleviate tensions, promising to strengthen borders, enforce rules on undocumented immigrants and their employers, and address the country's economic challenges. However, the president is dealing with deeply entrenched xenophobic sentiments, making his task of condemning violence and addressing demands quite delicate.
The Fear of Uncertainty
Many immigrants now fear that the government's attempts to quell the tensions may be too late. They dread the approaching deadline set by March and March.
One such immigrant, a carpenter from Malawi, shares that the police regularly demand bribes from those without the correct papers. Now, he faces the additional threat of the xenophobic protesters and contemplates returning to his home country. His sentiments are echoed by another immigrant from Zimbabwe, who feels that he has no choice but to stay despite the risks.
Facing the Future
These immigrants are anxious about their futures in South Africa. They have seen friends lose their homes and businesses and don't know what the future holds for them. They liken the situation to a war zone, where nationality offers no protection.
Some immigrants believe the animosity stems from jealousy because many of them operate successful businesses. Others think it's politically motivated, hoping for calmer times after the local elections in November.
Living in Fear
A pregnant woman from the Democratic Republic of Congo, who fled her home country 15 years ago after a horrific incident, shares her fears. She's been told to return to her country, but she can't forget her past. She's afraid for herself and her children and doesn't know where she'll be able to give birth.
She describes the current situation as feeling like a war zone, similar to the conditions she fled in her home country.