Over 50,000 Immigrants Flee South Africa Amid Xenophobic Violence

More than 50,000 immigrants have fled South Africa since a wave of xenophobic violence began last month. According to the Border Management Authority, 38,000 of these individuals passed through a temporary repatriation center established on June 26 near Musina, Limpopo. Most of those fleeing originate from Zimbabwe and Malawi, with many reporting that they abandoned household possessions due to landlord evictions and threats of violence.

To manage the crisis, the repatriation center uses large tents for housing and boreholes for water. The humanitarian organization Gift of the Givers has provided meals and supplies to approximately 20,000 people. Mosa Chabane, chairperson of Parliament’s Home Affairs Portfolio Committee, visited the site on July 7 and stated that the process is progressing well.

Responding to the safety risks, the Government of Uganda issued a directive from President Yoweri Museveni to facilitate the voluntary return of its citizens. The Ugandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs coordinated four flights to repatriate 730 Ugandans, who are now undergoing rehabilitation at the National Leadership Institute in Kyankwanzi. Uganda is simultaneously working with the International Organisation for Migration and the Thai Ministry of Interior to return citizens stranded or imprisoned in Thailand.