Xenophobia and migrant rights issues in South Africa

Mozambican and other migrant populations in South Africa are facing increasing instability characterized by xenophobic violence, property expropriation, and legal disputes regarding deportation.

In Johannesburg, Mozambican residents have reported instances of physical aggression and attempts to forcibly remove families from their homes. Activists note that at least 11 Mozambican citizens have died due to xenophobic attacks over a five-month period. In response, community members have organized peaceful protests to demand protection and stronger diplomatic support.

Simultaneously, displacement has occurred in Limpopo province, where Zimbabwean nationals displaced by anti-migrant operations have sought assistance from their home government. In the legal sphere, the Johannesburg High Court is managing a surge of applications from undocumented nationals, including Ethiopians, Congolese, and Nigerians, challenging deportation procedures. Judge Mandlenkosi Motha has criticized current ‘catch and release’ practices as ‘the height of folly,’ ordering the Department of Home Affairs to ensure that asylum processes are properly completed for detainees.