Anti-immigrant demonstrations have already resulted in fatalities along the Garden Route.
Last month in Mossel Bay, many homes were set ablaze and two individuals lost their lives in an incident involving... violent xenophobic protest .
Protests in the same area have led to hundreds of migrants being affected. repatriate to Malawi and Mozambique.
Near the Garden Route city of George, located 50 kilometers from Mossel Bay, local officials worry about increasing hostility toward immigrants and fear that violent incidents may soon occur.
During Sunday night, hundreds of individuals participated in an event hosted by an organization named Qina Mhlali (strong residents) at the All Bricks community center located in Thembalethu, a neighborhood near George. The venue was filled to capacity, with many others standing outside.
During the days before the gathering, a post was shared online. Mabahambe "Go away!" the sign stated.
As a reply, the Thembalethu Pastor's Fraternal issued an open letter urging for composure and condemning aggression. "Today the Lord places a responsibility upon us: to speak and take action against xenophobia in our neighborhoods," stated the open letter.
On Friday, the chairman of the organisation, Pastor Boyce Saleni, convened a gathering with the event coordinators and Mayor Browen Johnson from George, along with representatives from the business association and the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO).
The decision was made to invite Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber to visit George later this month to speak about the community's issues.
Unemployment is high in the Southern Cape, and residents are uneasy," Saleni said to GroundUp. "They believe they're losing their jobs while foreigners are employed and managing businesses.
"The church has clearly stated that foreigners should be safeguarded. We oppose any violence or loss of life. The legal process needs to proceed as intended," he mentioned.
Individuals who were interviewed by GroundUp stated that certain sectors within the town have been taken over by immigrants, many of whom, according to them, lack legal authorization to work in South Africa.
Two years prior, an apartment complex in downtown George collapsed During the construction phase, 34 individuals lost their lives, with at least 26 being migrants. Out of the 28 survivors, most sustained injuries, some resulting in long-term impairments. Numerous workers lacked proper authorization to be employed in South Africa and were not eligible for UIF benefits or compensation from the funds.
The community gathering held on Sunday afternoon in Thembalethu became intense. Certain individuals arrived carrying sjamboks and knobkieries, ready for confrontational behavior. A foreigner who happened to be nearby was pursued and intimidated.
The event organizers soothed the audience.
"A number of community members wished to take action right after the meeting, yet this wasn’t the intention behind the assembly," noted Bathini Malobola, a coordinator with Qina Mhlali.
"Our agreement is that we will wait until 19 June before taking any action," he said. Protest action might follow, he warned.
"The appropriate authorities have been provided with a chance to resolve our issues. We will follow the law," stated Mandlenkosi Kopana, the vice-chair of Qina Mhlali.
Nomaphuthukezi Mditshwa, a local from Thembalethu who participated in the gathering, stated that her neighbor, who started a small shop, struggled to match the competition from foreign-run stores offering cheaper products.
"we aren't engaging in conflict, yet we're stating that foreigners ought to go back to their home nations. we'll await the minister's statement," she mentioned.
Some people present stated that immigrants were dealing narcotics.
Following the meeting, a group of men, some of whom were intoxicated, separated from the others and moved towards the town area. The GroundUp photographer was advised against pursuing them. One individual held up a stick that had nails driven into it.
A SAPS representative from the Southern Cape, Warrant Officer Christopher Spies, stated that authorities broke up a group that turned unruly on Sunday night. A case of public disorder was initiated, though no one was taken into custody.
"The police respect the right of citizens to protest, but any acts of violence or incitement to violence will not be tolerated," said Spies.
He mentioned that the Public Order Police had arrived and were remaining highly vigilant.
Individuals from abroad who have resided in this region for many years are thinking about going back to their homeland, yet they don't have enough money to make the trip.
"Ever since I came to South Africa, I haven't faced issues with the local community. However, things have changed recently," mentioned a Zimbabwean merchant who preferred anonymity. She noted that in the last couple of months, there has been a decrease in customers from the area.
She mentioned she planned to shut down her store earlier on Sunday, "as I am worried about what could occur."
Jose Mabunda, hailing from Mozambique, has been residing in South Africa since 2015, though he is currently thinking about going back to his homeland. He was among those affected by the structural failure in 2024.
"I'm frightened. If I had the funds, I'd depart right now. I arrived here to work and provide for my family. I'm not here to steal job opportunities from South Africans," he stated.
Mussa Duad, hailing from Malawi, expressed concerns over the uncertain situation affecting his future. "I am married to a South African woman and have a six-year-old daughter. If I decide to go away, who will look after them?" he questioned.
A person from Ghana, who chose to remain anonymous, stated, 'We accept that if we have to go back, we will.' However, 'returning home requires funds that most of us lack.'
The SANCO regional chairman, Xolisani Booi, advised citizens against taking justice into their own hands.
"None of the community members have the authority to review papers or implement immigration regulations," he stated.
He cautioned that certain people might be exploiting public dissatisfaction for political gain.
He mentioned his concern that there are groups present who are attempting to escalate this matter due to their desire for political influence.
The mayor of George, Browen Johnson, remained unavailable for comment prior to the release since he was participating in meetings in Cape Town.
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Tagged: South Africa, Religion, Migration, Southern Africa
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