South Africa: Anti-immigrant ultimatum sparks fear, government vows action

Fear is mounting among foreigners in South Africa as an ultimatum from anti-immigrant groups demanding their expulsion nears its deadline. Some are hiding, while others are preparing to flee the country. The government, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, has rejected the ultimatum, calling it baseless. Ramaphosa has warned against any form of self-defense or impromptu population checks. The state has pledged to maintain public order, deploying police, helicopters, and armored vehicles in Johannesburg to demonstrate its resolve. Despite these assurances, migrants, including those with legal status, live in fear. This apprehension stems from a history where government promises to crack down on anti-immigrant sentiment have often gone unfulfilled. Between 300 and 400 migrants have been killed over the past two decades, yet few cases have led to prosecution, raising questions about state impotence or complicity. Ramaphosa faces immense pressure to end the cycle of violence. Failure to do so could make him solely responsible for the suffering of migrants. The president must act decisively against xenophobic perpetrators, as the current situation, where a powerful movement issues ultimatums to the state, questions who truly governs South Africa. The escalating xenophobic violence not only harms migrants but also tarnishes the image of the "Rainbow Nation."