“We’re Living in Fear”: Migrants Face Uncertain Future as South Africa Deadline Nears

Thousands of migrants across South Africa say they are living in fear as a controversial June 30 deadline set by anti-immigration groups approaches, sparking growing concerns over safety, displacement and rising xenophobic tensions.

In recent weeks, several communities have witnessed protests targeting foreign nationals, with some demonstrations escalating into violence. Migrants from countries including Mozambique, Ghana, Malawi and the Democratic Republic of Congo report being threatened, attacked or forced to flee their homes and businesses amid accusations that foreigners are responsible for unemployment, crime and pressure on public services.

Many migrants insist they are legally residing in South Africa and have spent years, and in some cases most of their lives, in the country. Yet families say the atmosphere has become increasingly hostile as anti-immigration activists demand that undocumented foreigners leave by the end of June. While the deadline has gained widespread attention, South African authorities have stressed that it is not an official government order.

“We fear for our lives,” several displaced migrants told journalists, describing how they have sought refuge in churches, community centres and temporary shelters after attacks on homes and businesses. Others have chosen to return to their countries of origin rather than risk becoming targets of violence.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned xenophobic attacks and warned against blaming migrants for South Africa’s economic challenges. Speaking this week, he acknowledged widespread frustrations over unemployment and crime but argued that the country’s problems cannot be solved through the scapegoating of vulnerable communities.

The unrest comes as South Africa grapples with high unemployment, economic stagnation and political pressure ahead of municipal elections later this year. Analysts warn that anti-migrant rhetoric has intensified in recent months, creating a climate of fear that extends far beyond undocumented migrants and affects many legal residents as well.

With just days remaining before the self-imposed deadline, uncertainty continues to hang over thousands of migrant families. Human rights groups and regional leaders are urging calm, warning that further violence could deepen an already volatile situation and damage relations across southern Africa.

Source BBC NEWS