'Leave or return in a coffin': The threat driving migrants out of South Africa

For months, anti-migrant rhetoric had been building across South Africa. Then it reached Kaunga Nyirenda's doorstep. In early June, two men gave the Malawian gardener, who lives in a Johannesburg suburb, a chilling ultimatum: leave now or face death. 'They asked me: 'When are you going to leave the country? We want to fix our country. If you don't leave now, you're going to leave in a coffin because we don't need anyone after 30th of June,'' he said of the ultimatum. Nyirenda's experience reflects a broader surge in anti-immigrant sentiment. In recent weeks, protest groups and self-styled vigilantes, who insist their rallies are peaceful, have staged demonstrations that have appeared to spark violent attacks on both documented and undocumented foreign nationals who are being blamed for taking jobs from South Africans, committing crimes and straining public services.

The South African government has rejected the so-called 'deadline' made by the groups for foreigners to leave the country, as fears grow of a violent climax at the end of the month. One of the groups, March & March, called for mass protests on Tuesday if its demands, including the 'immediate and massive deportation of all illegal foreigners currently in the country,' are not met. This has created a climate of fear and uncertainty among the hundreds of thousands of migrants living in the country. Many have been forced to leave their homes or seek shelter elsewhere due to safety concerns. The situation is reminiscent of previous waves of xenophobic violence that have plagued South Africa since the end of apartheid.

Xenophobia is not new in South Africa. The country has experienced significant immigration from neighboring countries like Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Mozambique, driven by economic hardship and political instability. High unemployment rates, poverty, and inadequate public services have fueled resentment among some South Africans, who blame foreigners for their problems. In 2008 and 2015, deadly attacks on foreign nationals left dozens dead and thousands displaced. Now, there are fears that history could repeat itself. The current rhetoric and mobilization by vigilante groups have raised alarms among human rights organizations and the international community.

Migrant rights advocates are calling on the government to take a stronger stance against xenophobia and to protect vulnerable migrants. However, the government's response has been criticized as insufficient. While police have said they are taking measures to prevent violence, migrants remain deeply anxious. Many are considering returning to their home countries or seeking refuge elsewhere. Nyirenda, like many others, is torn between his need to support his family and his fear for his safety. 'I am here to support my family, but I don't want to risk my life,' he says.

The events have prompted a broader debate about South Africa's immigration policies and social cohesion. Experts argue that the government must address the root causes of xenophobia, such as economic inequality and lack of opportunities, rather than scapegoating migrants. They warn that if left unchecked, xenophobic sentiment could further destabilize the country and damage its international reputation. As the June 30 deadline approaches, all eyes are on South Africa to see how it will handle this crisis. The outcome could have significant implications for regional stability and global migration patterns.