South Africans marched against immigration.

In recent days, South Africa has witnessed a surge in anti-immigration protests, primarily centered around cities such as Durban, Johannesburg, and Cape Town. These demonstrations have been organized by groups like March and March and the political party ActionSA, which have intensified their campaigns against immigration amid high unemployment rates and social tensions. The protests have taken place over several days this week, drawing significant attention due to reports of violence and threats directed towards migrants, particularly those from countries like Malawi, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Nigeria, and others.

The demonstrations have seen participants wearing traditional attire and carrying wooden sticks or other traditional weapons, despite police warnings that these items are prohibited during the protests. In Durban, one of the largest cities in South Africa, the focus of the protests has been on Malawian migrants. Demonstrators have used slogans such as "Mabahambe," meaning "you must leave" in Zulu, to demand the departure of immigrants from the country.

Reports indicate that some migrants have faced severe threats and even physical attacks. One woman, Esnat Joseph, described how she was forced to flee her home after being threatened by a group of South Africans who carried machetes and whips. Her husband suffered serious injuries, including cuts to his head and neck, but survived the incident. Another tragic case involved a Malawian man who was killed by a mob in Pietermaritzburg near Durban, following claims that he had attacked a relative of a protester. Such incidents have raised concerns about the safety of migrants in South Africa.

According to the South African Border Control Authority, approximately 9,000 Malawians, 3,000 Zimbabweans, 900 Ghanaians, and 300 Nigerians have either left the country or been repatriated in the past two weeks. Countries like Malawi, Ghana, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe have been assisting in organizing the repatriation of their citizens, providing funds for travel tickets. Meanwhile, many other migrants continue to seek legal residency in South Africa, hoping to find better economic opportunities despite the challenges they face.

South Africa's president, Cyril Ramaphosa, has warned that migrants have become scapegoats in a time when the country faces complex economic problems. Unemployment has reached 32 percent, with an additional 350,000 people becoming jobless this year. Organizers of the anti-immigration protests argue that migrants are exploiting the country’s social systems, although critics point out that there is little evidence to support such claims.

The March and March movement, led by Jacinta Ngobese, has previously organized operations like Dudula, which aimed to prevent migrants from accessing public clinics. This operation, which translates to "violent removal" in Zulu, highlights the more extreme measures taken by the group. Despite denying accusations of xenophobia, members of the group have expressed frustration with the treatment of migrants, while some migrants themselves describe feeling unwelcome and targeted by local populations.

Historically, xenophobic violence in South Africa is not new. Similar protests occurred in 2008, resulting in more than 60 deaths. The country continues to grapple with high levels of crime, with over 25,000 murders reported annually. However, the nature of criminal activity has shifted somewhat, with increased cybercrime reducing the number of violent crimes in recent years. Nevertheless, the current wave of anti-immigration protests has raised alarms about the safety and rights of migrants in South Africa.

As the situation unfolds, the government remains under pressure to address both the immediate security concerns and the underlying socio-economic issues that contribute to the rise in xenophobic sentiments. With thousands of migrants having already left the country and more likely to follow, the impact of these protests on South Africa’s reputation and its relationship with neighboring nations could be profound.