Xenophobia on the rise: South Africa records 406 incidents from 2022 to 2025

Xenophobic unrest has gripped South Africa, forcing thousands of Malawian nationals to abandon their lives in the country due to escalating violence and fear. The situation reached its peak in mid-June 2026 when a wave of anti-migrant demonstrations swept through multiple regions, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and Gauteng. As the deadline of 30 June loomed, hundreds of Malawians gathered at temporary repatriation centers, some having lived in South Africa for years, now preparing to return home under duress. The emotional toll was palpable, with families carrying their belongings, children crying, and adults expressing sorrow at the thought of leaving behind the only life they had built in a foreign land.

The repatriation center located at the old Durban Drive-In site became a focal point of the crisis. Here, Malawian migrants waited anxiously for transportation back to their homeland, often enduring harsh conditions. Many had been staying in tents or even sleeping outdoors due to overcrowding. Reports indicated that the number of people waiting for buses exceeded the available resources, leading to frustration among those who had been waiting for days. Concerns about the logistical challenges of transporting everyone before the 30 June deadline added to the sense of urgency and desperation. Despite assurances from local authorities that most would be transported by then, uncertainty lingered.

The eThekwini Municipality confirmed that repatriation efforts had been ongoing, with 58 buses departing for Musina on Sunday, 28 June, and an additional 10 on Monday morning. According to the municipality, approximately 7,000 people had been successfully transported to Limpopo. However, the number of people still waiting at the site remained significant, with some individuals reporting that they had been waiting for over two weeks. Officials stated that 60 more buses were expected to arrive by Monday evening, though the exact schedule remained unclear.

Meanwhile, in Durban, the South African Police Service (SAPS) intensified its operations against undocumented migrants. Officers patrolled streets in areas known for high concentrations of foreign nationals, checking documents and detaining those suspected of being undocumented. Some detainees claimed their paperwork was legitimate, obtained from the Department of Home Affairs, yet they were still taken into custody. The police explained that such individuals would be taken to Home Affairs for verification, emphasizing that this was not an arrest but a check. Nevertheless, the atmosphere was tense, with many feeling targeted and fearful of repercussions.

Across the country, similar scenes played out as anti-migrant protests gained momentum. In Soweto, residents marched demanding the departure of illegal immigrants, setting out from Kliptown Square on 28 June. The protests were timed to coincide with the 30 June deadline, reflecting the growing pressure on the government to address the issue. From 2022 to 2025, South Africa recorded 406 verified incidents of xenophobia, with 151 occurring in 2025 alone. These incidents included violence, denial of public services, and harassment, resulting in 75 deaths. Researchers from Wits University highlighted that the government’s attempts to manage immigration issues had inadvertently empowered vigilante groups to act beyond legal boundaries.

The March and March movement, a prominent anti-immigration organization, has been central to the unfolding crisis. Founded by Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, the group has demanded the immediate deportation of undocumented foreigners, insisting that the government take practical steps to enforce immigration laws. During a high-level meeting in May, the group dismissed discussions with government officials as mere rhetoric, further intensifying the standoff. Their demands include halting refugee applications and ensuring that all undocumented migrants pay for their own deportation. Countries like Malawi, Ghana, and Nigeria have since arranged for the repatriation of their citizens, aligning with the movement’s objectives.

In Pietermaritzburg, the aftermath of a March and March protest led to violent attacks in the Jika Joe informal settlement, where one person was reportedly killed. Despite previous denouncements of violence by the movement’s leadership, the incident underscored the volatile nature of the situation. Over 1,600 immigrants sought refuge in a disused government building, organized for transport to Malawi by humanitarian organizations like Gift of the Givers. Local businesses contributed to the effort, providing buses and relief supplies. However, tensions arose as people rushed to secure spots on the limited number of vehicles, prompting intervention by metro officers using riot shields to maintain order.

Civil society organizations have condemned the violence, urging the government to take decisive action. An open letter addressed to President Cyril Ramaphosa called for an immediate halt to violence, provision of humanitarian aid, and the arrest of anti-immigration leaders. The estimated cost of managing the crisis ahead of the 30 June deadline was projected to exceed R600 million, highlighting the financial strain on the state.

As the deadline approaches, the focus remains on ensuring the safe and timely repatriation of those affected. While some progress has been made, the scale of the challenge is immense, requiring coordinated efforts from both the government and international partners. For the Malawian migrants caught in this turmoil, the hope is to return home safely, leaving behind the trauma of xenophobic violence and the uncertain future in South Africa.