Thousands of African migrants left South Africa on Monday as fears of xenophobic violence intensified ahead of anti-immigrant demonstrations scheduled for June 30.
Bus terminals, taxi ranks, and airports across the country saw a surge in departures as undocumented migrants and even some legally resident foreign nationals chose to leave amid growing concerns over their safety.
The exodus follows calls by anti-immigrant vigilante groups, including March and March and Operation Dudula, urging undocumented migrants to leave the country before the self-imposed deadline. The groups have accused foreign nationals of taking jobs, contributing to crime, and placing additional pressure on public services.
Many migrants described leaving as a difficult but necessary decision. Some said they had endured weeks of intimidation, harassment, and door-to-door searches by vigilante groups targeting undocumented residents.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa rejected the groups’ ultimatum, stressing that the country is governed by the rule of law and that no individual or organization has the authority to intimidate or force people to leave. The government also warned that anyone involved in violence or unlawful actions against foreign nationals would face arrest and prosecution.
Despite those assurances, many migrants continued to depart, fearing a repeat of previous outbreaks of xenophobic violence. Some legal residents also temporarily left the country, saying they planned to return once tensions eased.
Several African governments, including Ghana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Mozambique, have already begun repatriating citizens from South Africa in response to the escalating situation.
Police have increased security ahead of the planned demonstrations, but analysts remain concerned that the protests could trigger widespread violence similar to previous anti-immigrant attacks.
South Africa has experienced several deadly waves of xenophobic unrest over the past two decades. The most severe occurred in 2008, when violence spread nationwide and claimed 62 lives. Further attacks in 2015 and 2019 also resulted in deaths, injuries, and widespread destruction of migrant-owned businesses.
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