Refugees in Durban report feeling unsafe after being displaced from a makeshift camp. Bishop Raphael Bahebwa, who has lived in South Africa for 26 years after fleeing the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), is currently in hiding due to threats against him for advocating for the rights of foreigners. He expressed that the current climate feels particularly tense, especially with a September 30 deadline set by the anti-immigration group March and March, which has called for undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country. The group has threatened further protests if its demands are not met.
Refugees in Durban, including those from the DRC, Burundi, Uganda, Mozambique, and Tanzania, have sought safety outside the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) office after fleeing violence in their communities. Many have faced harsh living conditions, relying on civil society organizations for food and support. Bahebwa described the situation as unprecedentedly tough, with reports of inadequate access to food and medical care.
Tensions escalated on September 3 when members of March and March confronted refugees outside the DHA, resulting in violence and police intervention. The group claims its actions are aimed at addressing undocumented immigration and related issues, denying accusations of xenophobia. However, Bahebwa noted that both documented and undocumented migrants face hostility.
In mid-September, the government began clearing the makeshift camp, offering refugees a choice between returning to their communities or accepting temporary accommodation at the Lindela facility, known for immigration detention. On September 15, 274 individuals were transported to Lindela, while about 150 chose to remain in Durban, seeking alternative housing.
Kafuti Muyumba, a small business owner and community representative, highlighted the fear among refugees of returning to their neighborhoods due to past violence. He recalled previous outbreaks of xenophobic violence in 2008 and 2015, which resulted in numerous deaths and displacements.
The South African government has stated that it is intensifying immigration enforcement, processing over 86,000 foreign nationals for deportation between June 14 and August 20, with the majority being Malawians, Zimbabweans, and Mozambicans. Officials assert that the operations are part of a broader strategy to manage borders and enforce immigration law.
Despite March and March's September 30 deadline lacking legal authority, it has instilled fear among refugees, compounding their existing uncertainties. Bahebwa, who has lived in South Africa for over 25 years, remains apprehensive about the future, stating that the scapegoating of foreigners is unlikely to cease with the deadline, especially in light of upcoming elections.