Anti-migrant protests sweep South Africa – 1000s leave out of fear | World | News

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged anti-migrant protesters not to resort to “intimidation, threats or ultimatums” as an unofficial deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave the country approaches. Several thousand migrants from elsewhere in Africa have already departed South Africa in recent weeks amid fears that violence could erupt.

One undocumented Malawian told the BBC he was “happy to be going back” but “heartbroken” to be leaving behind his four young children. As demonstrations have gathered pace in recent months, Mr Ramaphosa has repeatedly appealed for calm while acknowledging the need for immigration reform.

In his weekly newsletter, he stressed that many foreign nationals were living in South Africa legally.

Mr Ramaphosa wrote: “They work, study, raise families, invest in our economy and contribute positively to our society. They too are entitled to the protection of our laws and our Constitution.”

He added: “The right to protest and freedom of expression does not allow people to threaten or intimidate others, or to engage in acts of vandalism or violence.”

Official figures show South Africa is home to more than three million documented foreign nationals.

Ahead of Tuesday’s deadline, thousands of migrants have spent weeks in temporary transit camps after fleeing communities where they feared attacks.

In Durban, where some of the largest anti-migrant demonstrations have taken place, authorities have begun dismantling camps as they prepare to send people home.

Women wrapped in colourful sarongs waited beside piles of belongings as buses arrived to transport them back to Malawi.

Nelson Mbewe said he had travelled to South Africa hoping to earn money to support relatives back home.

Mr Mbewe said: “But we’ve faced challenges – they’re saying we should go back home because we do not have the right documents.”

He added, referring to a derogatory term used against African migrants: “They say we are Makwerekwere.”

He continued: “It’s their country, so what can we do? That’s why we have accepted that we just have to [unwillingly] go back home.”

Another Malawian, Hassan Phiri, appealed for unity.

Mr Phiri said: “All I want to say to South Africans is that we are all one. No matter what is happening, no matter what will happen, Africa must remain Africa.”

He added: “Africa can’t be Africa without South Africa… without Malawi, without anywhere. So whatever will happen, we must love each other and stick together as Africa.”

Anti-migrant marches have been authorised in Durban, Johannesburg and several other cities.

Police have warned organisers to prevent violence and say officers are prepared for possible unrest.

Authorities have also banned protesters from carrying traditional weapons, a move that could heighten tensions because many demonstrators are ethnic Zulus who traditionally march with shields, sticks and whips.

The government says more than 12,000 immigrants have been deported or repatriated since protests intensified earlier this year.

Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria and Zimbabwe have all organised flights or bus services in recent weeks, with about 3,500 foreign nationals volunteering to return home.

South African officials say more than 500 Nigerians who were repatriated lacked the correct immigration documents, a claim disputed by Nigeria.

Xenophobic violence has long been a problem in South Africa and has periodically turned deadly.

According to the African Centre for Migration and Society’s Xenowatch tracker, two people have been killed in xenophobic incidents this year.

In 2008, more than 60 people died during widespread anti-foreigner riots that shocked the country.