As the June 30 deadline set by anti-immigration groups approaches, thousands of undocumented migrants are hastily leaving South Africa, often at the cost of heartbreaking family separations. Despite the authorities' condemnation of this ultimatum, many fear a new wave of xenophobic violence.
In Durban, thousands of Malawian nationals have gathered in a makeshift camp while waiting to return home. Among them is John Allen, a 30-year-old Malawian who left his South African partner and their one-year-old son to leave before the deadline set by activists demanding the departure of undocumented immigrants.
The young father explained that he made this decision out of fear for his safety, as anti-migrant protests have increased in recent weeks. According to him, several foreigners living in his neighborhood have already been attacked, reinforcing the sense of insecurity among migrant communities.
John Allen claims that his departure leaves his family in a precarious situation. His partner, employed as a housekeeper, earns around 500 rand per week, while he earned four times that amount working as a subcontractor in a manufacturing company, despite his lack of legal status.
The South African government did not endorse the June 30th ultimatum and condemned the violence targeting migrants. However, it has faced strong criticism from several African countries and civil society organizations, which accuse it of failing to stem xenophobic attacks.
As the deadline approaches, many families are forced to make painful choices, with some parents preferring to leave the country alone in the hope of protecting their loved ones or being able to return one day. This situation illustrates the human consequences of rising tensions surrounding immigration in South Africa.
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