On Wednesday, migrants gathered at a community center in Durban, South Africa, to stage a protest concerning their deportation processes. Tensions escalated, resulting in clashes with police, who resorted to using rubber bullets and stun grenades to disperse the crowd.
Most of the migrants, primarily from Mali, weren’t expressing opposition to being deported but rather requesting voluntary return to their home country, especially given the increasing anti-immigrant sentiment in South Africa. It seems that the lengthy processing times have led to around 10,000 individuals camping out for days in a park adjacent to the center.
Malawi, along with several other African nations, including Ghana, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe, has begun repatriating its nationals residing in South Africa. Those returning often receive transportation assistance, whether through their home countries or funded by the South African government. Recently, Malawi organized a public fundraiser aimed at collecting resources to facilitate the return of approximately 10,000 migrants.
Reports from South African television indicated that migrant demonstrators were seen throwing stones and sticks at police as they attempted to control the situation outside Sherwood Hall in Durban.
One concern raised by Malawian migrants highlighted a disparity in processing times. While women and children were moved back to Malawi relatively quickly by bus, men experienced longer waits at separate deportation centers before returning home.
Witnesses noted that the protests only turned violent after members of the anti-immigrant group Operation Dudula showed up, leading to altercations between them and the Malawians.
According to South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs, around 1,876 of the protesting migrants lacked valid documentation to remain in the country.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered a speech on Tuesday, urging the public to combat anti-immigrant sentiments. He emphasized that, “Addressing these challenges requires practical solutions, rather than scapegoating vulnerable people.” He acknowledged that while illegal immigration poses challenges, the primary issues are internal, stressing the need for self-reliance in finding solutions.
On the same day, four major South African trade unions urged their members to avoid participation in anti-immigrant protests, noting the looming June 30 deadline set by such groups for the deportation of all undocumented migrants.
“We urge workers not to report to work and jeopardize their jobs,” the unions stated. They added that “Excluding foreigners from workplaces, communities, and public spaces will not reopen factories, repair local governments, strengthen public health care, or create sustainable jobs.”
