Xenophobic Threats Spark Fears of July 2021 Riots Repeat

A group of approximately 60 people, including refugees and asylum-seekers, remains encamped on the pavement outside the Home Affairs Refugee Reception Centre on Che Guevara Road in Durban. These individuals are living in makeshift conditions, citing fear of physical attacks by vigilante groups that have been marauding through the city for over a week.

The situation has been marked by a series of xenophobic incidents, including the forceful removal of individuals from their homes and workplaces, physical assaults, and the closure of businesses. These events have been accompanied by an aggressive social media campaign and an ominous deadline of June 30 set by anti-illegal immigration groups, who are demanding that undocumented foreigners leave South Africa.

A Crisis of Verification and Fear

The current encampment follows an attempt by eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba to address the situation by mandating that a group of foreign nationals be verified by Home Affairs officials. During this process, authorities examined the documentation of 457 individuals; only two were found to be without proper papers. Bishop Raphael Bahebwe, a refugee from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and a permanent resident, described this result as a “cruel validation of the victimisation foreigners suffer.”

Despite the legal status of many refugees, the atmosphere of intimidation remains high. Residents at the Che Guevara Road site report a lack of basic facilities, such as water and sanitation, and have relied on donations from organizations like Gift of the Givers to survive. Many are now afraid to return to their jobs or homes, even when they possess valid documentation.

Organized Mobilization and the Role of Rhetoric

Analysts and observers have raised concerns regarding the organization behind these demonstrations. The movement, which features prominent figures including radio personality Ngizwe Mchunu, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, and actor Nkosikhona Ndabandaba (known as Phakel’umthakathi), appears to be well-resourced, raising questions about the funding of rallies and the transport of participants.

Siphumelele Zondi, a journalism lecturer at the Durban University of Technology, suggests that the movement uses “online anger harvesting” to amplify resentment. Zondi warns that these tactics, similar to those observed prior to the July 2021 unrest, are being used to create a narrative that foreigners are responsible for crime, unemployment, and the strain on public services—claims he notes are not supported by evidence.

Institutional Concerns

The Consortium for Refugees and Migrants in South Africa, representing over 30 organizations, has condemned the violence and the reported use of excessive force by law enforcement against migrants. The consortium emphasized that no group has the authority to harass or forcibly remove individuals based on their nationality or migration status.

While some political leaders, such as Economic Freedom Front leader Julius Malema, have publicly condemned the acts as “criminals and extortionists,” those on the ground remain uncertain about their safety. As June 30 approaches, the fear of further violence persists for those waiting on the pavement, with many expressing that their lives are currently “in the hands of God.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the June 30 date?
It is an ominous deadline set by anti-illegal immigration groups for undocumented foreigners to leave South Africa.

How many people in the recent verification process were found to be undocumented?
Following the verification of 457 foreign nationals by officials, only two individuals were found to be without proper documentation.

What has been the impact of the social media campaigns?
Analysts suggest that aggressive social media drives are being used to incite resentment by spreading narratives that blame foreigners for crime and economic hardship, effectively harvesting online anger to mobilize mobs.

What measures, if any, could effectively restore security for both legal residents and the broader community in the face of these threats?