African migrants in South Africa are experiencing “extreme fear” as a wave of anti-immigrant sentiment sweeps the country, fueled by recent marches and rallies. The campaign group March, which has been prominent in recent protests, has issued an ultimatum for undocumented immigrants to leave the country by June 30, without detailing consequences for non-compliance. This surge in xenophobic sentiment has left even legally documented migrants feeling vulnerable.

The situation has escalated with reports of violence and displacement. Mozambique has stated that five of its citizens were killed in what it described as “xenophobic attacks” in late May. South African police confirmed the deaths of two Mozambicans and one South African during an outbreak of violence in Mossel Bay. In Kleinmond, approximately 100 individuals from Mozambique and Malawi sought refuge in a town hall after being told by an angry crowd to leave their informal settlement.

Many affected migrants have expressed a desire to return to their home countries, with Ghana already arranging flights for hundreds of its citizens. An Ethiopian entrepreneur, who has lived in South Africa since 2000 and is married to a South African woman, described the pervasive fear, stating that legal documentation provides no shield against the violence. This sentiment is echoed by many who feel their legal status does not guarantee safety.

The implications of this backlash are significant, potentially destabilizing communities and exacerbating existing social tensions. The government's response and the future actions of anti-immigrant groups remain key concerns for both migrants and international observers. The ongoing situation highlights deep-seated challenges related to immigration and xenophobia in South Africa.

South Africa has a long history of relying on migrant labor, particularly in its mining sector. Following the end of white-minority rule in 1994, Nelson Mandela’s government welcomed migrants from across the continent. However, economic hardships and political instability in neighboring countries, such as hyperinflation in Zimbabwe, have continued to drive people towards South Africa in search of better opportunities.

Recent protests, such as those witnessed in Benoni, east of Johannesburg, and in Gauteng province, have seen participants calling for the deportation of undocumented immigrants. Some protesters have been seen carrying traditional weapons and banners, underscoring the intensity of the anti-immigrant sentiment.

Experts point to a complex interplay of factors contributing to the current climate, including high unemployment rates, perceived competition for resources, and pre-existing xenophobic attitudes that have been simmering for years. While official rhetoric sometimes condemns xenophobia, the effectiveness of government measures to protect migrants and address the root causes of the backlash is often questioned.

Unresolved questions persist regarding the long-term impact on South Africa's social fabric, its international relations with neighboring countries, and the safety and well-being of the migrant population. The coming weeks will likely reveal the extent to which these tensions will continue to escalate or de-escalate.