Hundreds of documented and undocumented foreign nationals are currently displaced across eThekwini (Durban) following threats and protests from armed local groups demanding they leave the country. Thousands of individuals—primarily from Malawi and Mozambique, along with other African nations—are sheltering in makeshift camps and open fields. Dr Buccus is senior research associate at ASRi and at UJ has warned that rising anti-migrant sentiment, mass displacement and growing tensions linked to an unofficial June 30 deadline could trigger further violence and deepen Durban's humanitarian crisis.
The xenophobia crisis in Durban has reached a critical point, with growing fears of further violence, widespread looting and even a large-scale pogrom as 30 June approaches.
More than 400 documented refugees who were driven from their homes over a month ago remain on the pavement outside the Home Affairs office on Che Guevara Road. At least 10,000 displaced people are living in similarly dire conditions in Sherwood Park.
For months, xenophobic groups and organisations have acted with apparent impunity, illegally demanding that people produce identity documents, intimidating and assaulting residents, and instructing migrants to leave South Africa by 30 June.
