Fear grips migrants ahead of SA protests

FEAR is mounting among migrants in South Africa ahead of planned anti-foreigner protests, with rights organisations warning of possible violence as tensions over unemployment, inequality and undocumented migration continue to rise.

Calls for the protection of foreign nationals have intensified ahead of demonstrations expected tomorrow against undocumented migrants, amid growing concerns that the protests could trigger fresh attacks, displacement and damage to businesses owned by foreign nationals.

South Africa has experienced periodic waves of xenophobic unrest over the past two decades, often driven by high unemployment, economic hardship, inequality and pressure on public services. During previous outbreaks of violence, vigilante groups targeted undocumented migrants and foreign-owned businesses, forcing thousands of people into temporary shelters or prompting repatriation efforts by countries including Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Malawi and Ghana.

Political parties and pressure groups have at times organised demonstrations accusing undocumented migrants of contributing to job losses, crime and the strain on healthcare, education and other public services.

Previous episodes of unrest have resulted in deaths, widespread looting and the destruction of businesses belonging to foreign nationals, particularly in provinces such as KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape.

In anticipation of possible unrest, rights organisations have urged authorities to prioritise the safety of all residents regardless of nationality.

In a joint statement, Southern African Doctors for Human Rights and Amnesty International expressed concern over reports of discrimination, intimidation, attacks, forced displacement and growing hostility towards migrants, refugees and asylum seekers.

The organisations said while unemployment, poverty, inequality and concerns over migration governance had contributed to rising tensions, they could not justify violence or discrimination.

"While these factors have contributed to rising tensions and the emergence of xenophobic sentiments, they do not justify violence, intimidation, discrimination or exclusion against any individual or group," the organisations said.

They warned that the displacement of migrants and refugees during periods of unrest created serious humanitarian and public health risks, particularly for vulnerable communities.

According to the organisations, displacement can interrupt access to essential healthcare, including treatment for chronic conditions such as HIV, tuberculosis, diabetes and hypertension.

They also cautioned that people forced to flee their homes often face heightened risks of mental health problems, gender-based violence, exploitation and inadequate access to safe water, sanitation and shelter.

"Women, children, older persons, persons with disabilities and those requiring ongoing medical care are particularly in need of access to essential and specialist services during periods of displacement and instability," the statement said.

The organisations called on South African authorities to guarantee continued, non-discriminatory access to healthcare and protection services in line with the country's constitutional and international human rights obligations.

They further argued that persistent socio-economic inequalities rooted in the legacy of apartheid continued to fuel frustration, creating conditions in which migrants were often scapegoated for broader structural challenges.

Although South African authorities had not issued a detailed public response to the planned demonstrations at the time of writing, security concerns remain elevated as communities prepare for possible unrest.

Neighbouring countries, including Zimbabwe, have in the past organised evacuation and repatriation efforts for citizens who chose to return home following outbreaks of xenophobic violence, and migrant communities are closely monitoring developments ahead of the planned protests.