A wave of xenophobic violence in South Africa’s Western Cape province has forced dozens of immigrants from Mozambique and Malawi to flee their homes, with some now taking refuge in town halls after being targeted by angry mobs.
Four days ago in the coastal town of Kleinmond, Mozambican immigrant Lado Amido said he was confronted at his home by a group of residents who ordered him and other foreigners to leave the area. The group reportedly went door-to-door issuing similar warnings.
Amido said he fled into nearby mountains, where he spent two nights hiding before moving into a local town hall where displaced immigrants are now being sheltered.
He is among about 100 foreign nationals currently staying at the facility, many of whom say they are considering voluntary repatriation programmes organised by their home countries.
South Africa has experienced a recent surge in anti-immigrant protests that have, in some cases, turned violent. Authorities in Mozambique said at least five of its citizens were killed in attacks in Mossel Bay over the weekend, further escalating regional concern.
Many of those displaced say they have lived and worked in South Africa legally, but were still targeted during the unrest.
One resident, Michael Markson from Malawi, said he was forced to flee his informal settlement after being warned that mobs were approaching and that foreigners could be attacked.
“My landlord came telling me that I should evacuate because if they find us, they’re going to kill us,” he said, adding that he spent a night hiding in nearby mountains before seeking refuge.
Local officials in Kleinmond said immigration enforcement operations in recent weeks may have contributed to rising tensions, though they stressed that many of those affected are legally resident in the country.
Ward councillor Grant Cohen said the situation had left families in distress, including children who had been forced out of school due to fear of further attacks.
“We’ve got kids here at the moment who should be in school… but now want to flee the country out of fear and intimidation,” he said, adding that residents should not take the law into their own hands.
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned the recent violence while addressing parliament, acknowledging concerns about migration but warning against unlawful attacks on foreign nationals.
“As we work to build a safer and more prosperous society, we need to address the challenge of migration,” he said.
Xenophobic violence has been a recurring issue in South Africa, often fuelled by claims linking immigrants to unemployment and crime, despite limited evidence supporting such assertions.
Many of the displaced migrants in Kleinmond are now waiting for assistance to return to their home countries, with some saying they are unable to afford travel costs but prefer to leave rather than remain in fear.
“I’m close to home, but it’s better than living in a community where your life is under threat,” Markson added.
The situation underscores ongoing tensions over migration, economic hardship, and public frustration in parts of South Africa, where foreign nationals remain vulnerable during periods of social unrest.
