Xenophobia in South Africa Triggers Repatriations from Malawi, Zimbabwe, Ghana and Nigeria
A first group of 171 Malawians arrived home after fleeing violence and door-to-door intimidation in South Africa’s Western Cape. They joined scores of Mozambicans and other foreign nationals who had sought refuge in temporary camps. Ghana, Nigeria and Zimbabwe have also organised repatriation flights or land transport amid fears of rising anti-migrant attacks. Nigeria’s first evacuation flight was postponed from Monday to Wednesday due to logistical issues, with over 500 citizens screened and approved for return. In a national address, President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned xenophobia and outlined measures to speed up the deportation of undocumented migrants. He warned South Africans against taking the law into their own hands, even as anti-migrant groups set a 30 June deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave. The author criticises some South Africans for blaming immigrants for poverty while overlooking the impact of US sanctions on their economy. He notes that many returnees hope the next year will bring relief for all black communities.
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