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Thousands more foreign nationals rushed toward South Africa’s borders on Friday, joining a massive exodus that has already seen roughly 35,000 migrants return home.
This sudden surge followed a June 30 deadline imposed by fringe anti-immigrant groups, whose aggressive campaign triggered violent protests and clashes across the country.
Police confirmed that the violence claimed the lives of at least four foreign nationals, forcing thousands more to seek immediate safety at border checkpoints and consulates.
Around 11,000 people, primarily from Malawi and Zimbabwe, gathered near the border town of Musina for official registration and verification.
Authorities transported these individuals from various urban centres where migrants had been pleading for repatriation assistance outside government buildings.
The Border Management Authority noted that officials have already processed and removed over 35,000 people since June 7.
“Last night our landlord said we could not stay in her house,” Fahida Kazembe, an eight-month-pregnant Malawian migrant, said.
Mobilising groups blame illegal immigrants for South Africa’s severe unemployment and strained public resources, though analysts argue these issues stem from long-standing government failures.
While the government promised stricter immigration controls, it also warned vigilante groups to stop harassing communities.
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni explicitly condemned citizens conducting illegal door-to-door citizenship checks and workplace raids.
In response to the growing danger, several African nations—including Nigeria, Malawi, Ghana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique—dispatched emergency buses and flights to rescue their citizens.
More than 270 Ugandans arrived home safely on Thursday night on a state-sponsored flight.
In Durban, local officials processed and repatriated more than 20,000 Malawians, yet transport operators and local employers continue to drop off hundreds of undocumented workers at recently shuttered processing sites.
