Thousands of people from various African countries have left South Africa amid pressure from anti-migrant groups, with an unofficial deadline set for Tuesday. In Durban, a transit camp where many Malawian migrants were housed has begun to be dismantled.
Malawian national Nelson Mbewe, who had sought employment in South Africa, described facing challenges and being told to return home due to a lack of proper documentation. He noted the xenophobic slur "Makwerekwere" used to refer to migrants from other African countries. "It's their country, so what can we do? That's why we have accepted that we just have to [unwillingly] go back home," Mbewe told the BBC.
Another Malawian, Hassan Phiri, who was awaiting processing, appealed for unity among African nations. "All I want to say to South Africans is that we are all one. No matter what is happening, no matter what will happen, Africa must remain Africa," he said. "Africa can't be Africa without South Africa... without Malawi, without anywhere... So whatever will happen, we must love each other and stick together as Africa."
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned anti-migrant protesters to march peacefully. The events follow a period of heightened anti-immigrant sentiment and protests in the country.