South Africa was on edge Tuesday as widespread anti-immigration protests swept the nation, following weeks of escalating xenophobic violence that has claimed at least four lives and forced tens of thousands to seek safety.

The coastal city of Durban experienced palpable tension, with streets eerily quiet and businesses closed as thousands of protesters, many in traditional Zulu attire, marched through the city center. Their chant, “Abahambe!” meaning “They must go!” in isiZulu, has become a potent rallying cry for the anti-foreigner movement.

Organizers of these protests have set an arbitrary deadline of June 30 for undocumented migrants to leave the country. This ultimatum has fueled fears that the marches could escalate into further violence, prompting a mass exodus of foreign nationals.

In the days leading up to the deadline, thousands of immigrants have abandoned their homes, seeking refuge in makeshift camps and on pavements, hoping for repatriation. Several neighboring African governments have stepped in, organizing buses and flights to bring their citizens home. Official police figures indicate that over 25,000 individuals have already been repatriated.

One harrowing example occurred in Pietermaritzburg, approximately 50 miles from Durban. Following a protest on June 19, a 29-year-old Malawian national was killed by a mob. In the aftermath, hundreds of families camped for days outside an abandoned building, awaiting repatriation. On the eve of the June 30 protests, a long queue formed in the garden of the building, with weary mothers and children huddled around campfires.

The situation highlights a recurring pattern of xenophobic violence in South Africa, often targeting foreign nationals who are accused of taking jobs and contributing to crime. Despite government efforts to curb such incidents, including the establishment of the Department of Home Affairs, these attacks continue to flare up periodically.

Human rights organizations have condemned the escalating violence and the rhetoric fueling it, urging the government to provide better protection for immigrants and to address the underlying socio-economic factors that contribute to xenophobia.

As the arbitrary deadline passes, the immediate concern remains the safety and well-being of immigrants caught in the crossfire. Unresolved questions linger about the long-term impact on South Africa's international reputation and its ability to foster a truly inclusive society.