President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged those planning to protest against migrants to avoid “intimidation, threats or ultimatums” as an unofficial deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave South Africa approaches. In recent weeks. Several thousand citizens of other African countries have already left the country out of fear of violence.

Concerns for Migrants

One undocumented Malawian, speaking to the BBC, said he was “happy to be going back” but “heartbroken” to leave behind four young children, Ramaphosa has repeatedly emphasized peaceful and responsible protests, while also acknowledging the need for immigration reforms.

“Some foreign nationals who live in South Africa are here lawfully,” he wrote in his weekly newsletter — “They work, study, raise families, invest in our economy and contribute positively to our society. They too are entitled to the protection of our laws and our Constitution,” he added.

Temporary Camps and Repatriation Efforts

According to official figures. There are more than three million documented foreign nationals in South Africa — Ahead of the unofficial deadline, thousands of migrants have been staying in temporary camps for several weeks due to safety concerns. In Durban. Where some of the largest protests have occurred, white tents housing mostly Malawians are being dismantled as authorities work to clear the transit camp.

Women in colorful sarongs sat on top of their belongings, waiting in line to board a bus back to Malawi. Nelson Mbewe. A Malawian man who went to South Africa in search of employment, said he and others have faced challenges due to lack of proper documentation.

“They’re saying we should go back home because we do not have the right documents,” he told the BBC; “They say we are Makwerekwere”, a xenophobic slur used to refer to African migrants from other countries. “It’s their country. So what can we do?; That’s why we have accepted that we just have to [unwillingly] go back home,” he added.

Protests and Tensions

Hassan Phiri, a Malawian still waiting to be processed, had a message for the protesters. “All I want to say to South Africans is that we are all one. No matter what is happening, no matter what will happen, Africa must remain Africa,” he told the BBC. He emphasized that “Africa can’t be Africa without South Africa… without Malawi, without anywhere.”

Anti-migrant marches have been authorized for Tuesday in Durban, Johannesburg, and other cities. Authorities have warned organizers to ensure there is no violence but have also stated they are prepared for any potential disruption. The police have also indicated that traditional weapons are not allowed, which could lead to tension between protesters and the police. Many of the protesters are ethnic Zulus, who traditionally carry shields, whips, and sticks during marches.

According to the government, more than 12,000 immigrants have been deported or repatriated since a wave of protests began earlier this year. Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe have organized repatriations by air or bus over the last few weeks, with about 3,500 foreigners volunteering to leave. South African authorities claim more than 500 Nigerians repatriated did not have correct papers, a claim Nigeria has disputed.

Xenophobia has long been an issue in South Africa and has sometimes led to violence. According to the African Centre for Migration and Society’s (ACMS) xenophobic violence tracker Xenowatch, two people have been killed this year. In 2008, more than 60 people died during a wave of rioting against non-South Africans.