African Migrants in South Africa Report Fear as Anti-Immigration Protests Escalate
African migrants in South Africa say they are living in fear following a series of marches organized by a campaign group called March & March, which has demanded undocumented immigrants leave the country by June 30. The protests have reignited longstanding xenophobic tensions in South Africa, where migrants — including those with legal status — report feeling unsafe. The situation raises concerns about potential violence against foreign nationals, echoing past episodes of deadly xenophobic attacks in the country.
African migrants living in South Africa, both documented and undocumented, report experiencing extreme fear following a wave of anti-immigration marches that have gained momentum across the country. The campaign group March & March has been at the forefront of the protests and has issued a deadline of June 30 for undocumented immigrants to leave, though it has not specified what consequences will follow for those who remain. Migrants say that holding legal status has offered little practical protection from the hostility generated by the rallies. The protests have reignited deep-seated xenophobic sentiment that has historically led to violent outbreaks in South Africa, including deadly attacks on foreign nationals in 2008 and 2019. South Africa hosts a large population of migrants from neighboring countries such as Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Malawi, many of whom fled economic hardship or political instability. Human rights organizations have expressed concern that the rhetoric surrounding the marches could incite further violence against vulnerable migrant communities.
What's missing
Coverage largely omits South Africa's severe unemployment rate — among the highest in the world — which is a key driver of public resentment toward migrants, as well as the government's official policy response to both the protests and the June 30 deadline.
How coverage differed
The Guardian, a left-leaning outlet, frames the protests primarily through the lens of fear and vulnerability experienced by migrants, emphasizing the xenophobic nature of the demonstrations. Coverage from other perspectives might focus more on South Africa's genuine challenges with undocumented immigration, unemployment, and resource strain as drivers of public frustration.
What different sources said
- The GuardianLeft
‘Extreme fear’ among immigrants as backlash sweeps South Africa
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