South Africa sees surge in anti‑immigrant violence as migrants flee ahead of June deadline

A new anti‑immigration movement called “March and March” has given undocumented migrants in South Africa until 30 June to leave the country, warning of strikes and demonstrations if the government does not act. Tensions have escalated into violence: homes of migrants have been set ablaze, shops looted and a 29‑year‑old Malawian man was lynched. The Mozambican government reports that five of its citizens were killed, while Nigeria and Ghana have dispatched planes to repatriate their nationals. Thousands of migrants have taken shelter in a makeshift camp at a Durban parking lot, many sleeping in white tents under cold winter conditions. Embassies are receiving increasing numbers of desperate asylum‑seekers. Analysts note that political parties are using the xenophobic rhetoric to rally support ahead of municipal elections in November. “We are being driven out,” says Noel Kawala, a Malawian worker waiting for transport. The situation remains volatile as the deadline approaches.