As tensions rise in South Africa surrounding the rights of refugees and foreign nationals, Bishop Raphael Bahebwa’s plight shines a light on the precarious situation faced by many. Having arrived from the Democratic Republic of the Congo 26 years ago, Bahebwa’s advocacy for migrant rights has made him a target, exemplifying the growing antiforeigner sentiment in a country grappling with political and social upheaval. With local elections on the horizon and an anti-immigration movement gaining momentum, the atmosphere remains charged with fear and uncertainty for vulnerable migrant communities.
Bishop Raphael Bahebwa, an outspoken advocate for the rights of migrants in South Africa, finds himself in hiding due to threats against his life. The Bishop, who fled the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and has lived in South Africa for 26 years, openly condemns the rising antiforeigner sentiment that has become increasingly pronounced in recent months. This year feels particularly ominous, largely due to a deadline set by the anti-immigration group March and March, which called for undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country by September 30, intensifying fears of violence among migrant communities.
March and March has been at the center of protests demanding stricter immigration policies. Their actions have resonated throughout South Africa, a nation with a complex history of xenophobia. As local government elections approach on November 4, migration has emerged as a central issue, impacting not only political discourse but also the safety and well-being of thousands of refugees and asylum seekers. Bahebwa, along with many others, has lamented the distinction between documented and undocumented migrants, emphasizing that hostility often arises without regard for legal status.
For months, Bahebwa was among hundreds of refugees and asylum seekers camped outside the Durban Refugee Reception Centre, seeking safety from threats they faced due to their nationalities. The camp, primarily populated by individuals from the DRC, Burundi, and other East African countries, became a home for those fleeing waves of xenophobic violence. During these months, they depended heavily on humanitarian organizations for basic necessities, grappling with harsh living conditions and dwindling resources. Conversations highlighted the desperation within the camp, as access to food and medical care often proved scarce.
In early September, tensions erupted when members of March and March confronted the refugees outside the Department of Home Affairs. Violence ensued, necessitating police intervention and leaving several individuals injured. Despite the group’s assertion that its focus is solely on undocumented immigration, many believe that its rhetoric has led to broader hostility directed at all migrants. Reports of violence against documented migrants intensify fears, further complicating an already fragile situation.
In mid-September, as part of an effort to reduce the visible presence of refugees outside the center, South African authorities offered the displaced individuals two choices: return to their communities or accept temporary accommodation at the Lindela detention facility. The latter option, associated with immigration detainment, raised fears among many who had already fled violence. The choice, for some, was a matter of survival, as they faced the grim reality of homelessness while grappling with a fragile trust in local authorities.
Kafuti Muyumba, a representative from the refugee community who also fled the DRC, articulated the broader sentiments of fear and distrust. He described experiences of violence by March and March members, specifically pointing to a lack of support from law enforcement. This sentiment echoes through the community, as many regain memories of past xenophobic violence, making the stakes of the current political discourse feel perilously high.
In response to the ongoing protests, the South African government has ramped up its immigration enforcement, processing tens of thousands for deportation while warning against citizen-led acts of enforcement, clarifying that such actions do not carry legal weight. However, the atmosphere remains fraught with anxiety, as deadlines and community tensions create additional layers of concern for migrants navigating a hostile environment.
As the September 30 deadline looms, many face uncertainty about their futures. While Bahebwa has lived in South Africa for more than a quarter-century, he remains apprehensive and uncertain about what lies ahead, noting that the hostility directed towards foreigners may only escalate post-election. The challenges faced by South Africa’s migrant communities underscore the need for compassionate discourse and comprehensive policy solutions in a nation striving to reconcile its past with a hopeful future.
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