African migrants are fleeing their homes and seeking refuge in shelters across South Africa’s Western Cape province as a surge in xenophobic violence forces many to abandon communities where they had lived and worked.
Mozambican migrant Lado Amido said an angry crowd arrived at his home in the coastal town of Kleinmond four days ago and demanded that foreigners leave the area. Similar visits were made to other immigrant households.
Fearing for his safety, Amido fled and spent two nights in the mountains before taking shelter in Kleinmond’s town hall, where dozens of migrants from Mozambique and Malawi have gathered.
South Africa has witnessed a rise in anti-immigrant protests in recent weeks, with some turning violent. Mozambique said five of its citizens were killed in xenophobic attacks in the town of Mossel Bay over the weekend.
Kleinmond is located about 300 kilometres from Mossel Bay.
“On the 31st, people came to my house, knocked on the door, and then took all my belongings,” said the 49-year-old, who arrived in South Africa in February in search of work.
Around 100 migrants are currently sheltering in Kleinmond’s town hall, with some considering voluntary repatriation programmes organised by their home governments.
Xenophobic attacks have long been a recurring issue in South Africa, where migrants are frequently blamed for economic challenges, including unemployment and crime.
Although there is no evidence supporting such claims, politicians from across the political spectrum have often echoed concerns about immigration, particularly ahead of elections.
President Cyril Ramaphosa told parliament on Tuesday that migration needed to be addressed as part of efforts to build a safer and more prosperous society, while also condemning the recent violence targeting foreign nationals.
Grant Cohen, a ward councillor in Kleinmond, said immigration officials had recently conducted inspections of restaurants and businesses in the town to identify undocumented workers.
However, he noted that many of the migrants sheltering in the town hall are legally resident in South Africa.
“We’ve got kids here at the moment who should be in school, who have been in school in Kleinmond… (but) now want to flee the country out of fear and intimidation,” said Cohen.
“I don’t believe that residents should take things into their own hands.”
Agency report
Follow us on:
