Tag: South Africa migrant

Migrants Face Rising Threats in South Africa as Protest Deadline Nears Violence and fear in Durban settlement A Malawian woman, Esnat Joseph, says armed men came to her home in Durban and ordered her family to leave South Africa. She says the attackers carried machetes and whips and injured her husband during the assault. He was taken to hospital with head and neck wounds. Joseph, who is 36, fled with her one year old triplets and now lives with thousands of other migrants in an open field in KwaZulu Natal. Around 7,000 foreign nationals, mostly from Malawi, have gathered there after leaving nearby informal settlements due to fear and intimidation. Growing pressure on undocumented migrants Tension has increased in parts of South Africa as groups linked to anti migrant demonstrations demand that undocumented foreigners leave the country by 30 June. Protesters, including members of March and March and ActionSA supporters, have staged marches and street gatherings in several areas. Chants of “Mabahambe,” meaning “they must go,” have become common during these demonstrations. While many of the protests have remained peaceful, migrants report threats and door to door intimidation in some communities. Government response and warnings President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned against targeting vulnerable people. He said blaming migrants is not a solution to deeper economic challenges facing the country. Authorities say some undocumented migrants are voluntarily leaving with support from their home countries. Malawi, Ghana, Mozambique, Nigeria and Zimbabwe have arranged transport for citizens who want to return home. Return and uncertainty Thousands have already returned through repatriation programs supported by consulates and donations. However, accounts from returnees suggest fear and rising hostility toward foreigners in some areas. Some migrants, like Benjamin, who recently returned to Nigeria after years in South Africa, say they no longer feel safe living there.
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Migrants Face Rising Threats in South Africa as Protest Deadline Nears

Violence and fear in Durban settlement A Malawian woman, Esnat Joseph, says…

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