The aftermath of the nationwide anti-migrant demonstrations continues to place pressure on foreign missions in South Africa, with hundreds of people seeking assistance to return to their home countries while humanitarian organisations work to support those waiting.
Foreign nationals from several communities have gathered outside embassies and high commissions in Pretoria, highlighting the growing logistical and humanitarian challenges associated with rising repatriation requests.
Embassies Face Rising Numbers Of People Seeking Assistance
More foreign nationals are turning to diplomatic missions in Pretoria for help after the 30 June March and March anti-migrant protests, creating mounting pressure on embassies trying to arrange transport and temporary assistance.
Outside the Nigerian Embassy, dozens of people have been sleeping on pavements as they wait for flights or other transport home. Some said they had lived in South Africa for many years but were now unable to remain in their communities after recent tensions.
Several people appealed for additional repatriation flights, saying they had nowhere to stay while waiting. Others expressed concern for women and children, noting that food was being supplied mainly by volunteers and members of the public.
The situation briefly became tense when an altercation broke out between groups outside the embassy, although the gathering later returned to relative calm.
Nearby, the Malawi High Commission has also experienced a steady increase in people requesting assistance. Long queues formed as foreign nationals waited for meals, medical supplies and winter clothing distributed by humanitarian organisations.
Josef Mustafa, from the Institute for Islamic Services, said demand for aid had risen sharply over the past two weeks. According to him, the number of people requiring daily meals has increased from around 200 to approximately 500, particularly when buses transporting people home are delayed.
Aid Organisations And Officials Respond To Humanitarian Needs
Mustafa said the organisation continues to distribute food, shoes, scarves and basic medical supplies while assisting vulnerable people waiting for transport.
He explained that buses generally carry between 65 and 70 passengers and may take up to three days to complete return trips, creating significant delays as more people arrive.
Staff members at the Malawi High Commission said buses were collecting people every day, but demand continued to outpace available transport. According to one employee, hundreds of people have recently arrived from various parts of Gauteng and neighbouring provinces after reports of community-based anti-migrant marches.
Healthcare volunteers have also raised concerns about conditions facing families sheltering at diplomatic missions. Two doctors providing medical assistance said more than 40 children were staying in the embassy basement during freezing winter temperatures, highlighting the need for continued humanitarian support.
The increase in repatriation requests comes as South African authorities continue to intensify immigration enforcement. Earlier this week, Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said more than 50,000 foreign nationals had been deported or repatriated in recent weeks as government agencies expanded efforts to manage migration and address public concerns.
While embassies continue coordinating departures, humanitarian organisations say they expect demand for food, shelter and transport assistance to remain high as more people seek to leave the country.
Source: Daily Maverick, Institute for Islamic Services, South African Government