We fear for our lives’ – deadline for migrants to leave South Africa looms
We fear for our lives – In a climate of growing apprehension, the phrase “We fear for our lives” has taken on new urgency as South Africa faces a critical juncture in its treatment of undocumented migrants. With the economy under pressure and public sentiment shifting, a tightening deadline has been imposed on foreign nationals, sparking widespread anxiety. Activist groups and local communities have intensified their calls for removal, leaving many migrants in a state of panic, fearing not only deportation but also direct confrontation with angry locals.
The Looming Deadline and Its Impact
The deadline, set for 30 June, was initiated by a coalition of activist organizations and community leaders, including the anti-migrant group March and March and the opposition party ActionSA. These groups argue that the current influx of migrants has strained resources and contributed to rising crime rates. As the date approaches, reports of door-to-door searches and public demonstrations in cities like Durban have surged, with some migrants forced to abandon their homes in search of safer ground.
Personal Stories of Fear and Survival
Esnat Joseph, a 36-year-old Malawian woman, has become a symbol of the migrants’ plight. She shared her harrowing experience during a confrontation in Durban, where armed South Africans stormed her informal settlement, threatening her and her three children. “They cut my husband on his head and his neck. They were holding his neck like they wanted to kill him,” she recounted, her voice trembling. Joseph and others have retreated to open fields or makeshift camps, where they rely on aid groups for basic necessities like food and shelter.
Joseph’s story is echoed by many who have fled to urban areas or remote locations, seeking refuge from escalating tensions. The situation has prompted a mass exodus, with thousands of foreigners gathering in temporary shelters. These spaces, often overcrowded and underfunded, have become lifelines for those fearing for their safety, as the rhetoric against migrants grows more aggressive.
Government Response and Protests Emerge
President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged a more compassionate approach, stating that blaming vulnerable populations for economic challenges is not the solution. “Scapegoating of vulnerable people is not the solution to South Africa’s complex challenges,” he emphasized, highlighting the need for policies that address inequality and unemployment. Yet, the government’s stance has not quelled the unrest, as many citizens feel their concerns are being overlooked.
Protest organizers, like Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma of March and March, have framed their actions as necessary justice. “We are tired of Africans abusing the system and playing the victim card,” she said at a Durban rally, arguing that undocumented migrants should be held accountable for overstaying their welcome. The movement has gained momentum, with embassies from Ghana, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe coordinating repatriation efforts. Around 3,500 foreigners have voluntarily left, some via buses organized by the Malawian consulate, though the exact number of those without legal status remains unclear.
Economic Struggles Fuel the Crisis
South Africa’s economic woes have deepened the divide between locals and migrants. With a national unemployment rate of 32.7% and over 350,000 jobs lost in the first quarter of 2026, many South Africans blame the influx of foreign workers for exacerbating competition for scarce employment opportunities. This has led to a situation where migrants are often seen as the scapegoat for systemic issues, including youth unemployment and inequality.
Despite these challenges, the country continues to attract migrants seeking work as domestic servants or security guards, particularly in urban centers. The presence of over three million foreigners, making up 5% of the population, has sparked debate about resource allocation and social cohesion. Protesters allege that authorities underreport the number of undocumented migrants, further fueling frustrations and justifying harsher measures.
Rising Tensions and the Fear of Escalation
As the deadline nears, the atmosphere of fear has intensified, with some migrants reporting threats of violence during nighttime raids. Benjamin, a returnee from Lagos, expressed his concerns: “South Africans don’t like foreigners, especially Nigerians. It’s a place where you can lose your life at any time.” His words reflect a broader sentiment among those who have already left, as they recount near-misses with hostile crowds and the constant specter of being targeted.
The situation has also drawn comparisons to past incidents of xenophobic violence, such as the 2008 riots that claimed 62 lives, including 21 South Africans. While the current unrest may not yet match the scale of those events, the fear of escalation looms large. Many fear that the pressure to expel migrants could lead to widespread conflict, endangering both locals and foreigners alike.
