A Wave of Xenophobic Violence Sweeps South Africa (June-July 2021)
In June and July 2021, a series of orchestrated protests and attacks targeting foreign nationals erupted across South Africa. Organized by groups demanding the departure of undocumented immigrants, the unrest resulted in deaths, injuries, and the displacement of thousands.
Key Events & Timeline
Campaign and Deadline
Groups, including one called "March and March" led by former radio presenter Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, launched a coordinated campaign against undocumented immigrants. They set a hard deadline of June 30 for undocumented individuals to leave the country.
Demonstrations and Violence
- June 30: A major protest occurred in Durban, where thousands of demonstrators marched chanting "Mabahambe" ("They must go") and conducted unauthorized checks of immigration papers.
- June 19: In Pietermaritzburg, a 29-year-old Malawian national was killed by a mob following an earlier protest.
Attacks on Businesses and People
Foreign-owned businesses were systematically attacked. While exact death tolls vary by source, at least four migrant deaths were confirmed.
Displacement and Repatriation
Tens of thousands fled their homes:
- In Durban, thousands of Malawians were forced to camp in the open.
- In Cape Town, hundreds of Zimbabweans camped outside their consulate.
- The governments of Nigeria, Ghana, and Mozambique repatriated citizens who wished to leave.
- South African police reported that more than 25,000 people have been repatriated to their home countries.
Official Reactions
President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned the violence. He acknowledged community frustrations over crime and unemployment but attributed these challenges to structural factors such as inequality, slow economic growth, and weak service delivery. He explicitly rejected the scapegoating of immigrants.
"We must not blame immigrants for problems caused by inequality and poor governance."
Ramaphosa promised to:
- Strengthen border controls.
- Crack down on undocumented immigrants and their employers.
- Address underlying economic challenges.
- Warned against vigilantism.
Philile Ntuli of the South African Human Rights Commission stated that xenophobia in South Africa emerges at the intersection of economic insecurity, high unemployment, inequality, weak governance, and poor migration management.
Accounts from Immigrants & Migrants
"I fear for my life every day." – Guy, 25, Malawian carpenter in Johannesburg
Guy reported considering returning to Malawi due to police harassment and constant demands for bribes.
Sandile Mbuyazi, an 18-year-old Zimbabwean, expressed fear, stating he cannot return home due to severe economic and political problems there.
Victor Sithole, a 55-year-old Zimbabwean upholsterer with a valid resident permit, described the situation as a "war zone." He alleged protesters target all foreigners regardless of documentation.
Kofi David, a Ghanaian business owner, suggested the problem stems from envy of successful migrants and noted upcoming local elections in November.
Bona Mapezi Bahati, a 33-year-old pregnant Congolese refugee, reported fleeing Congo after being gang-raped by a militia. She stated she lacks valid papers and has been turned away from clinics.
Jackson Makungwa, a 29-year-old from Malawi, said he was forced to leave his two-month-old son behind.
Lydia Mpingashato, a Zimbabwean migrant, reported being threatened and dismissed from her job.
Leon, an asylum seeker from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, said harassment has increased and expressed concern that conditions would worsen after the June 30 deadline.
Background & Context
- Economic Pressure: South Africa has a high unemployment rate (over 30%) , with youth unemployment exceeding 60% . The government attributes this to economic stagnation and mismanagement, not solely to immigration.
- History of Violence: The country has a documented history of anti-immigrant violence.
- 2008: Riots left over 60 dead and tens of thousands displaced.
- 2015 & 2019: Further deadly incidents were reported.
- Demographics: According to 2022 census data, South Africa is home to approximately 2.4 million foreigners.
- Government Crackdown: The South African government has intensified its crackdown on undocumented immigration, with police reporting more than 50,000 arrests since January.