South Africa boosts security before anti-migrant deadline

South African authorities are increasing security before a June 30 deadline set by anti-migrant groups demanding that undocumented foreigners leave the country. The preparations come after weeks of xenophobic attacks that Al Jazeera and AFP reported have killed at least two people and driven foreign nationals from their homes.

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said Monday that police had raised their operational readiness in all provinces. He said deployment plans were in place to protect communities, public spaces and key infrastructure as the deadline approaches.

Cachalia said peaceful protest remained protected, but warned that violence, intimidation, property damage and threats to public safety would not be accepted. Defence Minister Angie Motshekga said the military would protect strategic sites, including airports, and could support police if required.

Ultimatum follows weeks of attacks

Al Jazeera and AFP reported that small but organised protest groups issued the June 30 ultimatum, demanding that undocumented migrants leave South Africa or face consequences. Al Jazeera said the demand has no legal basis.

The recent unrest has prompted several African countries to send aircraft to bring home nationals fleeing violence, according to Al Jazeera and AFP. In Durban, foreign residents were among those who left their homes during anti-immigrant protests, Reuters reported in a file image cited by Al Jazeera.

South Africa has long relied on migrant labour, while unemployment remains above 30 percent, according to Al Jazeera and AFP. The country has also seen repeated bouts of anti-foreigner violence, often fed by allegations that migrants are responsible for crime or are taking jobs.

Al Jazeera reported that parties including the Patriotic Alliance, ActionSA and uMkhonto we Sizwe have increasingly portrayed migrants as rivals for employment and public services. Mpho Makhubela, identified by Al Jazeera as a member of the Consortium for Refugees and Migrants in South Africa and an activist in KAAX, said vigilante groups draw support from public anger over unemployment, social decline and inequality.

History of xenophobic violence

South Africa has faced deadly anti-migrant violence before. Al Jazeera reported that 62 people were killed in anti-migrant riots in 2008, followed by further violence in 2015 and 2016.

In 2019, armed groups attacked foreign-owned businesses around Johannesburg, leaving at least 12 people dead, according to Al Jazeera. The latest tensions have added pressure on security agencies ahead of local government elections scheduled for November 4.

Political violence also marred voter registration over the weekend, Al Jazeera and AFP reported. Gunmen killed four people linked to political parties: two affiliated with the opposition uMkhonto we Sizwe party, led by former President Jacob Zuma; a Democratic Alliance ward candidate in the Western Cape; and an African National Congress ward councillor in the Eastern Cape.

Zuma served as South Africa’s president from 2009 to 2018, according to Al Jazeera and AFP. The killings and anti-migrant threats have left authorities preparing for possible unrest as the deadline set by protest groups nears.

This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.