South Africa faces escalating anti-migrant protests as a June 30 deadline looms for undocumented foreigners to leave, leading to fear and violence. Esnat Joseph, a 36-year-old Malawian, fled her Durban home after men with machetes attacked her husband, joining 7,000 others, mainly Malawians, seeking refuge. Aid groups provide support as Ghana, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe organize repatriations for approximately 3,500 volunteers.
President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned the "scapegoating of vulnerable people," outlining a five-point strategy against illegal migration, including refusing asylum from "safe" countries, quotas for naturalization, and digital IDs. Protesters, including March and March and ActionSA, deny xenophobia, citing high unemployment (32.7%) and strained public services, demanding the government prioritize citizens. Fears persist of a repeat of 2008 violence, which killed 62 people, fueled by social media misinformation and political campaigning ahead of November local elections. The government's Operation New Broom has arrested 40,000 illegal immigrants this year and demolished informal shops.
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