'Leave or face death': Migrants flee ahead of South Africa anti-foreigner rallies

Thousands of migrants are fleeing South Africa or taking shelter in temporary camps after anti-immigrant groups called on undocumented foreigners to leave the country by Tuesday, raising fears of fresh violence against foreign nationals.

The protests are being organised by groups including the March & March movement and Operation Dudula, which claim they are campaigning peacefully against illegal immigration.

However, recent protests have been followed by attacks on both documented and undocumented migrants, prompting concerns that the latest rallies could turn violent.

The South African government has rejected the ultimatum issued by the protest groups and warned that it will act against anyone attempting to incite violence or destabilise the country.

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Government rejects vigilante campaigns

Ahead of the planned demonstrations, President Cyril Ramaphosa said authorities would not tolerate any attempts to threaten public order.

He stressed that attacks on foreign nationals do not reflect South Africa's official policy or the views of most citizens. Ramaphosa said some groups were exploiting genuine public frustrations over unemployment and poor public services under the guise of community activism. He added that security forces had been placed on high alert to respond to any unrest.

Operation Dudula, whose name in Zulu roughly translates as "push back" or "force out", has previously targeted foreign-owned businesses, checked people's identity documents on the streets and attempted to prevent foreign nationals from accessing public hospitals.

Why are migrants being targeted?

Anti-immigrant groups argue that undocumented migrants are taking jobs from South Africans, placing pressure on schools and hospitals, and contributing to rising crime.

These concerns have found support among sections of the public. Several surveys conducted last year showed growing hostility towards immigrants.

A Human Sciences Research Council survey, cited by Reuters, found that only one in six South Africans said they would welcome all foreign nationals, while 42 per cent said they would welcome none.

An Afrobarometer poll found that seven out of ten respondents believed immigrants had a negative impact on the economy, while 85 per cent supported reducing or stopping the arrival of refugees.

Claims and the available evidence

Despite widespread public concerns, official data presents a different picture. According to a Reuters report, South Africa's national statistics agency estimated in 2023 that the country was home to around 3.1 million migrants, representing about 4.1 per cent of the population. That share is lower than many other countries, including Britain, Canada and Australia.

While campaigners argue that undocumented migrants are undercounted, the statistics agency says its census methods are designed to include both documented and undocumented residents.

Claims that migrants are taking jobs away from locals have also been challenged by research. A 2018 World Bank report, cited by Reuters, found that migrant workers often contribute to economic activity by creating businesses and generating demand for local goods and services.

As tensions continue to rise, rights groups have urged authorities to protect vulnerable communities and prevent a repeat of the deadly xenophobic violence that has affected South Africa in the past.

With thousands of migrants living in fear, the government's response in the coming days is expected to be closely watched.