South Africa Braces for Anti-Immigrant Protests

South Africa has deployed a significant police presence across the country in anticipation of anti-immigrant protests, which are expected to take place on the backdrop of an unofficial deadline for foreign nationals to leave the country. The deadline, set by anti-immigrant groups for June 30, has already led to thousands of foreigners fleeing the country in recent weeks.

According to reports, shops have been shuttered, and many workers have stayed home as fears of potential violence mount. The police deployment is aimed at preventing unrest and maintaining order in the face of planned protests. The situation has been described as tense, with many foreigners opting to leave the country rather than risk being caught up in any potential violence.

The number of foreigners who have fled South Africa varies, but it is estimated that thousands have already left the country. Some reports suggest that over 25,000 foreigners have fled, while others indicate that more than 15,000 Malawian nationals have been processed to leave the country, with thousands more waiting in temporary camps. The repatriation efforts are being led by authorities, who are working to ease growing tensions ahead of the planned anti-immigration marches.

The background to the current situation is complex, with anti-immigrant sentiment having been building in South Africa for some time. The unofficial deadline set by citizen-led groups has added to the sense of urgency and fear among foreign nationals, many of whom have been forced to leave their homes and livelihoods behind. Congolese refugees in KwaZulu-Natal province are among those who have been affected, with many being forced to flee their homes in recent weeks.

The South African government has not officially endorsed the deadline, and it is unclear what measures will be taken to address the underlying issues driving anti-immigrant sentiment. However, the deployment of police and the repatriation efforts suggest that authorities are taking steps to mitigate the potential for violence and maintain order. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the government will balance the need to address the concerns of its citizens with the need to protect the rights and safety of foreign nationals.