‘Leave or return in a coffin’: The threat driving migrants out of South Africa
‘Leave or return in a coffin’: The threat driving migrants out of South Africa
Leave or return in a coffin – For months, xenophobic tensions have simmered in South Africa, fueled by growing frustrations over job competition, crime, and the strain on public resources. Then, in early June, the pressure escalated for Kaunga Nyirenda, a Malawian gardener living in a Johannesburg suburb. Two men approached him with a stark warning: leave the country or risk losing your life. Nyirenda recounted the encounter, explaining that his assailants told him, “You must depart before June 30th or face a grim fate. We’ll no longer need you here, and if you stay, you may leave in a coffin.” This chilling message has become emblematic of the anti-migrant movement sweeping across the nation, with many foreign nationals now fearing for their safety as the deadline approaches.
The Rise of Anti-Immigrant Sentiment
What began as a gradual buildup of resentment has transformed into a coordinated campaign targeting both documented and undocumented migrants. Protest groups and self-proclaimed vigilantes, claiming their actions are peaceful, have organized demonstrations that have increasingly turned violent. These groups blame foreign nationals for contributing to the country’s economic challenges, citing job displacement, rising crime rates, and overburdened public services as justification for their stance. The rhetoric has taken on a life of its own, with some activists framing the issue as a moral imperative to “cleanse” South Africa of those they see as outsiders.
“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 the 30th of June,’” said Nyirenda, whose experience mirrors the fears shared by thousands of migrants in the country.
The movement has gained momentum, drawing support from communities already struggling with poverty and unemployment. Groups like March & March and Operation Dudula have become central figures in this push, with the latter’s name in Zulu translating to “push back” or “force out.” These organizations have targeted foreign-owned businesses, intercepted individuals in public spaces, and even blocked access to hospitals for foreign nationals, exacerbating the sense of urgency among those in the country.
Government Response and National Fears
South Africa’s government has dismissed the “June 30th deadline” as a tactic used by extremist groups, warning against escalating panic. President Cyril Ramaphosa, who has repeatedly condemned attacks on migrants, emphasized that the violence does not reflect the will of the entire population or the policies of his administration. “The government will not tolerate any attempts to destabilize the country by anyone, whether marching or otherwise,” he stated, while criticizing “opportunists” who exploit legitimate concerns under the banner of community activism.
“The violence is not representative of South Africa’s people, nor does it align with our government’s policy,” Ramaphosa said, adding that security forces are prepared to quell any unrest. His remarks highlight the divide between the grassroots protests and the national leadership, which continues to advocate for a balanced approach to immigration.
Despite the president’s reassurances, the situation has grown volatile. Police investigations are underway into the recent killings of several foreign nationals, including two Mozambicans who died in Mossel Bay, a coastal town in the Western Cape. The incident, which saw over 50 shacks in an informal settlement torched, has been described by Mozambique as a xenophobic attack, underscoring the regional impact of the crisis. Similarly, the death of a Malawian man in Pietermaritzburg, near Durban, is being scrutinized after he was allegedly slain by a mob in an informal settlement, forcing hundreds to flee to churches and mosques for refuge.
The March & March Movement and Its Leaders
March & March, one of the most prominent anti-migrant groups, has called for mass protests on Tuesday if its demands are not met. The group’s focus on the “immediate and massive deportation of all illegal foreigners” has intensified fears of a mass exodus. Leading the charge is Nkosikhona Ndabandaba, known as “Phakel’umthakathi,” whose social media presence has amplified the message. With over 1.7 million followers, Ndabandaba has mobilized supporters in traditional Zulu warrior attire, positioning himself as the mastermind behind the June 30th deadline.
“June 30 is the deadline, but you don’t have to wait until then – leave now,” Ndabandaba said in a video, addressing a Congolese man. “After Tuesday, I can’t control the people of South Africa.” While he insists his campaign targets only undocumented migrants, critics argue that the violence has transcended nationality, with some incidents involving both legal and illegal residents.
The pressure on migrants has intensified as the month draws to a close. Social media has become a battleground, with videos like one showing a man brandishing a machete and counting down to the deadline further stoking fear. This has led to a sense of urgency among communities in poor neighborhoods and informal settlements, where the threat of mob attacks looms large. The exodus of foreign nationals has continued, with the Border Management Authority reporting over 13,000 individuals repatriated or deported in the last fortnight. This includes approximately 9,000 Malawians, 3,000 Zimbabweans, 900 Ghanaians, and 300 Nigerians, according to official figures.
Ramaphosa acknowledged the “challenge of illegal immigration,” stating that his government is actively addressing the issue. However, he has also highlighted the role of community activism in driving the current unrest, warning against the misuse of public sentiment. “Opportunists are using legitimate grievances, particularly those of the poor, to incite violence,” he said, while stressing that the government remains committed to protecting all citizens, regardless of nationality.
The crisis has exposed the complex interplay between economic hardship and national identity. While many South Africans support the push to reduce the number of foreign nationals, others argue that the violence risks alienating migrants who contribute to the country’s labor force and economy. As the deadline nears, the question remains: will the anti-migrant groups escalate their efforts, or will the government intervene to prevent a full-scale crisis? For now, the fear of the unknown lingers, with migrants like Nyirenda caught in the crossfire of political and social tensions.
In the wake of these events, the South African government faces the challenge of balancing public sentiment with the need to maintain stability. While some activists demand immediate action, others call for dialogue to address the root causes of the unrest. The international community has also taken note, with concerns growing over the potential for xenophobic violence to spread beyond the borders of South Africa. As the country prepares for the climax of this movement, the fate of its migrant population hangs in the balance, reflecting a broader struggle over belonging, opportunity, and survival in a nation grappling with its own challenges.
With the June 30th deadline fast approaching, the migrant exodus continues unabated. The combination of fear, anger, and political pressure has created a climate where even the most vulnerable are at risk. For those who have already left, the journey back home is fraught with uncertainty, while those remaining face the possibility of being forced into exile or worse. The movement, driven by a mix of grassroots activism and organized efforts, has redefined the conversation around immigration, leaving South Africa to navigate the aftermath of a potentially explosive social upheaval.