Durban refugees face uncertainty as anti-immigration deadline nears
About 150 people remain in Durban seeking accommodation after a camp clearance, while the government says March and March’s 30 September demand has no legal authority.
Refugees and asylum seekers in Durban say they fear renewed hostility as 30 September approaches, the deadline set by anti-immigration movement March and March for undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa. The group has called for further demonstrations if its demands are not met.
Authorities cleared a makeshift camp outside the Department of Home Affairs refugee reception centre in mid-September. On 15 September, 274 people were taken by bus to the Lindela facility in Gauteng; about 150 others remained in Durban seeking accommodation.
Residents told Al Jazeera they had fled communities where they feared anti-foreigner attacks and were afraid to return. The camp had housed people for roughly four months, with residents relying on volunteers and civil society organisations for food and other necessities.
On 3 September, March and March members confronted people at the camp. Violence broke out and at least four people were reported injured. Police intervened. Police have said they will maintain their normal approach ahead of the deadline and expect protesters to obey the law.
The South African government says March and March’s deadline has no legal authority and warns private groups against enforcing immigration laws. It says authorities processed 86,596 foreign nationals for deportation or repatriation between 14 June and 20 August as part of immigration enforcement.
Migration has become a prominent issue ahead of local government elections scheduled for 4 November. For people who stayed in Durban, the camp’s clearance has left the search for accommodation unresolved, alongside fears about returning to the neighbourhoods they left.
