WATCH: Fleeing violence: Malawians share their stories as they await transport home

In the townships of Springs, Gauteng, immigrant traders are abandoning their businesses in growing numbers, driven by escalating threats and intimidation from local communities. Vainet Spatini, a trader from Mozambique, arrived in South Africa in March to manage a chips and bunny-chow shop from her brother's home in Kwathema’s White City area. Her story reflects the broader trend of immigrant shop owners leaving their livelihoods behind due to rising tensions in the region. After returning home to visit her children and stamp her passport, Spatini returned to find her shop targeted during a protest organized by the group known as "March and March."

The incident occurred towards the end of May, following a demonstration where a subgroup of approximately 15 individuals broke off from the main protest and proceeded to close stalls and food containers operated by immigrants. Zinc-sheeted stalls were reportedly destroyed during these attacks. Weeks later, most of the immigrant shop owners remain too frightened to reopen or are unable to do so, as their inventory was looted. Many claim they were warned that South Africans would take over their businesses after the 30 June deadline imposed by groups like March and March, which demands that undocumented immigrants leave the country.

Kwathema has a long-standing history of anti-immigrant sentiment. In previous years, including 2021 and 2024, residents have forcibly shut down spaza shops operated by Somalis, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, and Ethiopians, accusing them of selling expired products. These incidents also extended to neighboring Duduza in 2018. The recent wave of unrest appears to have intensified following the May protests, with sporadic demonstrations continuing in the area. Walking through Kwathema reveals numerous food spots and stalls once operated by immigrants, now either empty or ransacked.

Fatima Mabonda, another immigrant shop owner in Duduza, has been running a snack and homeware business at the taxi rank since 2015. She frequently traveled to Mozambique to maintain her legal status and ensure her passport remained valid. However, in early June, she began experiencing harassment from mobs. While many have chosen to return to their countries, Mabonda is reluctant to leave without securing her assets. Business has slowed significantly due to the heightened tensions in the community. She claims that locals assert that those with passports are no longer permitted to stay, alleging that immigrants are taking away jobs and business opportunities, with the promise that locals will reclaim these positions after 30 June.

Sergeant Maxwell Mabunda, the spokesperson for the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Ekurhuleni District, stated that police are maintaining a visible presence in Springs. When asked about plans to address potential actions around the 30 June deadline, Mabunda emphasized that police would always act to protect all citizens from criminal elements. He assured that any reports received by the police would be handled according to the law, promising protection for everyone.

Sharon Ekambaram, heading the refugee and migrants program at Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR) and a member of Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia (Kaax), highlighted the need for the government to tackle the unemployment crisis. She urged the authorities to enforce their migration policies as outlined in the Immigration Act. Ekambaram noted that both LHR and Kaax are engaging with refugees and asylum seekers, many of whom are documented but have faced harassment from South Africans. She mentioned that many individuals are terrified for their lives, and all are deeply traumatized by the level of hatred and threats circulating on social media.

Across South Africa, the roots of anti-immigrant protests are deeply embedded in the socio-economic challenges the nation faces. Ebrahim Harvey points out that the political forces behind these protests have been developing over a prolonged period, fueled by severe Black poverty, unemployment, and social inequalities. The combination of these issues has led to increased competition among the Black working class and immigrant workers for jobs and social services. The impact of neoliberal austerity measures has exacerbated poverty and strained public resources, contributing to the polarization of relationships between communities.

The current economic crisis is described as the worst since the 1994 democratic elections, marked by widespread hunger, malnutrition, and stunted child development. Levels of Black poverty, unemployment, and inequality are now higher than they were under apartheid, directly linked to the neoliberal policies pursued by the African National Congress (ANC) since 1994. This has resulted in a decline in the ANC's electoral support, reflected in their reduced vote share in the 2024 elections compared to 2019.

The failure to effectively address the undocumented immigrant issue has allowed the crisis to persist, with the Home Affairs Department's inefficiencies and corruption playing a significant role. The complexity of the situation is compounded by the depth of the socioeconomic crisis, leading to ongoing discussions and debates about the causes and consequences of the current wave of violence.

As the deadline approaches, thousands of Malawians are awaiting transport home, expressing gratitude for the assistance provided by the government and humanitarian organizations. For instance, Rabsool Logan Manana, a 70-year-old Malawian who legally entered South Africa in 2010, fled his home in Mayville due to fears for his safety. He recounted his struggles as a security guard, highlighting the difficulties faced by foreign workers in accessing justice and fair treatment. Similarly, Peterah Mbwinja, a plumber who worked for 13 years in Durban, was abruptly dismissed and given minimal compensation, forcing him to seek refuge. Ayesha Mackson, a domestic helper, shared her concerns about supporting her family upon returning to Malawi, emphasizing the uncertainty and hardship ahead. As these individuals prepare to depart, the collective anxiety and trauma experienced by the affected communities underscore the urgent need for resolution and support.