'Show some gratitude'—how this rhetoric shapes views on immigration, even for migrants

Thousands of anti-migrant protesters marched through South Africa’s major cities, including Durban and Johannesburg, under heavy police surveillance, marking yet another escalation in the ongoing tensions surrounding immigration. The demonstrations, which have gained momentum over the past several months, reflect deep-seated frustrations among some South Africans regarding the influx of foreign nationals, particularly from neighboring African nations. President Cyril Ramaphosa issued a stern warning to protesters ahead of an unofficial deadline for undocumented foreigners to depart the country, urging them to avoid intimidation, threats, or acts of violence. His call for peaceful protest comes amid growing concerns over the safety of both migrants and locals, as reports indicate that hundreds of undocumented individuals have already left the country, fearing escalating hostility.

The situation has reached a critical juncture, with thousands of undocumented migrants now awaiting processing in temporary transit camps, where they remain vulnerable to the rising tide of xenophobic sentiment. In Durban, one of the epicenters of the unrest, makeshift shelters housing primarily Malawian migrants are being dismantled as authorities rush to clear the area. Women in vibrant sarongs sit atop their belongings, patiently waiting in lines to board buses bound for Malawi. These scenes underscore the emotional toll of the crisis, as many migrants, such as Nelson Mbewe, describe their departure as both necessary and heart-wrenching. Mbewe, who came to South Africa seeking employment to support his family, admits that the pressure to return home has forced him to accept an unwelcome reality. He refers to the derogatory term “Makwerekwere,” a label frequently used to dehumanize non-South African migrants, highlighting the racial and cultural divisions fueling the conflict.

Meanwhile, Hassan Phiri, a Malawian still waiting to be processed, voices a plea for unity among Africans. He emphasizes that despite the current turmoil, the continent remains interconnected, and that South Africa’s stability is vital to the region’s future. His words resonate with a broader sentiment among migrants, who, though facing immense hardship, continue to advocate for mutual respect and solidarity. Yet, the divide between locals and migrants persists, with many South Africans perceiving the presence of foreign nationals as a threat to national identity and resources.

The government has authorized large-scale anti-migrant marches, acknowledging the need for dialogue but also preparing for potential disruptions. Police have issued warnings against the use of traditional weapons, a move that has raised concerns among protesters, many of whom are ethnic Zulus who traditionally carry shields, whips, and sticks during demonstrations. This tension underscores the risk of violent confrontations, as the clash between law enforcement and demonstrators looms ever closer. According to official data, over 12,000 immigrants have been deported or repatriated since the outbreak of the protests, with Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe playing active roles in facilitating these mass exits. However, the process has not been without controversy, as some repatriated individuals, notably Nigerians, have contested claims that they lacked proper documentation.

Xenophobia has long plagued South Africa, with historical episodes of violence serving as grim reminders of the dangers posed by unchecked prejudice. While the African Centre for Migration and Society’s Xenowatch tracker records only two fatalities this year, the specter of past atrocities—such as the 2008 riots that claimed over 60 lives—casts a long shadow over current developments. As the situation continues to evolve, the challenge lies in balancing the legitimate concerns of South Africans with the rights and dignity of migrants, ensuring that neither group is further marginalized in the pursuit of resolution.