South Africa Rejects Anti-Immigrant Deadline
Thousands of foreign nationals have fled South Africa. Anti-immigrant groups set a June 30 deadline for foreign nationals to leave.
The South African government rejected the deadline. It said the deadline has no legal basis.
Anti-immigrant protests turned violent. Congolese refugees in KwaZulu-Natal province were forced from their homes.
At least 3 foreign nationals were killed in the unrest. Anti-immigrant groups also threatened a national shutdown on June 30.
Over 13,000 foreign nationals left or were sent home in the past two weeks. These include about 9,000 Malawians and about 3,000 Zimbabweans.
Multiple countries launched flights to bring their nationals home. Authorities and companies across South Africa increased security ahead of June 30.
President Ramaphosa spoke on television to calm tensions. He admitted border control had failed but warned against blaming migrants. The United Nations chief expressed deep concern over the attacks on foreign nationals.
Key Terms 4
- KwaZulu-Natal A province on the east coast of South Africa
- repatriated Sent back to one's home country
- xenophobic Hostile or violent toward people from other countries
- ultimatum A final demand with a threat if not followed