Law-abiding immigrants caught in growing anti-foreigner anger

Foreign nationals living legally in South Africa say they are increasingly being forced to live in fear as a wave of anti-immigrant protests sweeps across the country, despite many contributing to the economy and society. While much of the public anger has centred on illegal immigration, several immigrants interviewed by The Witness said they fear all foreign nationals are now being painted with the same brush, regardless of their legal status or contribution to the country. The protests and rhetoric have largely targeted immigrants from neighbouring countries such as Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Malawi and Mozambique.

The Witness spoke to immigrants from those countries to learn how they are coping amid intensifying protests and rhetoric. All spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retribution. A Nigerian woman said she understands frustrations around illegal immigration but warned against treating all immigrants as criminals.

“There are many illegal immigrants here, which harms the economy because they do not pay taxes; however, there are also many who came here legally and contribute to the country’s growth,” she said. She added that it is not the responsibility of civilians to enforce the law and that authorities must do more if they want to prevent people from taking matters into their own hands. While stressing that most South Africans have shown the friendliness they are known for, she said there have been occasions when she was told to return to her country of origin.

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She said those experiences have forced her to keep a low profile. “I look South African, but once I start speaking, my accent gives me away, so I try to avoid talking in public places,” she said. A Malawian man who works in the CBD said the recent protests and rhetoric have been extremely unsettling for immigrants who came to South Africa hoping to escape poverty and support their families.

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