Thousands of Malawians shelter in Durban park after fleeing xenophobic violence in South Africa

South Africa has for years struggled to tackle xenophobia against people from other parts of Africa. (Photo: Siphiwe Sibeko/Reuters via DW)

By Bashir Mbuthia
Thursday, June 11, 2026

Malawi, along with several other countries including Mozambique, Ghana, Nigeria and Zimbabwe, has begun facilitating return processes for affected citizens, while others remain in temporary shelters or transit sites awaiting assistance.

At least 3,000 Malawian migrants have been displaced in South Africa’s coastal city of Durban, where they are currently sheltering in a public park following recent escalations of anti-immigrant unrest in parts of the country.

The group, which includes large numbers of children, fled areas where demonstrations and xenophobic violence have been reported amid growing tensions over undocumented migration in the country.

Many of those displaced are now living in temporary, open-air conditions, with informal gathering sites forming as people arrive from different parts of the country.

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South Africa has a long history of xenophobic violence, with major outbreaks since 2008 resulting in deaths and large-scale displacement of foreign nationals, particularly from other African countries.

Some anti-immigration groups have issued a June 30 deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave the country and have threatened nationwide demonstrations if their demands are not met.

The developments have sparked concern across the continent, prompting several African governments to engage South Africa through diplomatic channels over the safety of their nationals.

Malawi, along with several other countries including Mozambique, Ghana, Nigeria and Zimbabwe, has begun facilitating return processes for affected citizens, while others remain in temporary shelters or transit sites awaiting assistance.

Ghana, in particular, has emerged as one of the most vocal governments on the issue, publicly raising concerns over the treatment and safety of foreign nationals and engaging Pretoria through diplomatic and public channels.

South African authorities have repeatedly rejected claims that the country is experiencing widespread xenophobic violence, insisting that law enforcement agencies are responding to isolated incidents and that allegations should be substantiated through official channels.