Thousands of foreign nationals are leaving South Africa or seeking refuge at their countries’ diplomatic missions following a fresh wave of anti-immigrant violence and growing fears over nationwide protests planned for June 30.
Migrants from Malawi, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ghana and Mozambique have been among the hardest hit, with reports indicating that many have abandoned their homes and businesses amid threats, intimidation and sporadic attacks targeting foreign-owned shops and informal traders.
Outside several consular offices in major South African cities, long queues have formed as desperate migrants seek emergency travel documents, temporary shelter or assistance to return home. Some families have reportedly been camping outside embassies and consulates for days, saying they no longer feel safe remaining in the country.
The governments of Malawi, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ghana and Mozambique have begun organising repatriation efforts for citizens wishing to return home. Officials say the evacuations are being carried out as a precaution amid fears that planned demonstrations could trigger further violence against migrants.
The latest tensions have been fuelled by anti-immigration groups calling for tougher action against undocumented foreigners, whom they accuse of taking jobs, operating businesses illegally and contributing to crime. Similar sentiments have periodically sparked xenophobic attacks in South Africa over the past two decades.
Business owners have reported that foreign-owned shops have been looted or forced to close in several communities as tensions escalate. Many migrants say they have stopped going to work or sending their children to school, fearing they could become targets.
South Africa hosts millions of migrants from across the African continent, many of whom fled economic hardship or political instability in their home countries. Zimbabweans constitute one of the largest migrant communities, while sizeable numbers also come from Mozambique, Malawi, Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Although many migrants contribute significantly to the country’s economy through trade, construction, agriculture and other sectors, they have frequently faced hostility during periods of economic hardship and high unemployment. South Africa’s unemployment rate remains among the highest in the world, with competition for jobs and public services often blamed for fuelling anti-foreigner sentiment.
Human rights organisations have expressed concern over the renewed violence, warning that migrants are becoming scapegoats for broader socio-economic challenges facing the country. They have urged South African authorities to ensure adequate security during the planned protests and to protect all residents regardless of nationality.
The South African government has repeatedly condemned xenophobic violence, insisting that criminal acts should not be directed at people based on their nationality. Security agencies have indicated that they are monitoring the situation closely and have pledged to maintain law and order during the demonstrations.
Regional leaders and diplomatic missions are also closely watching developments, fearing that any escalation could strain relations between South Africa and neighbouring countries whose citizens live and work there.
As the June 30 protests approach, thousands of migrants remain uncertain about their future. While some hope the demonstrations will pass peacefully, many have concluded that returning home is the safest option until tensions subside. The unfolding situation has once again highlighted the recurring challenge of xenophobia in Africa’s most industrialised economy and the urgent need for lasting solutions that address both migration and the underlying economic frustrations driving public anger.
