Foreign nationals displaced by recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa’s Western Cape Province began leaving the region by bus on Thursday as authorities continued efforts to assist those affected.
The violence, which erupted less than a week ago in parts of the Southern Cape, forced hundreds of migrants from their homes and into temporary shelters. Authorities arranged transportation for one group housed in the Kleinmond area, while another group staying at a community centre in Stanford awaited relocation as part of ongoing return and resettlement procedures.
According to South Africa’s Border Management Authority, nearly 600 Mozambican nationals fled the town of Mossel Bay and returned to their home country in the aftermath of the attacks.
Despite the departures, around 100 foreign nationals from Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe remained sheltered in a community hall in Mossel Bay nearly a week after the violence. The displaced individuals, including women and children, were living in crowded conditions alongside their personal belongings under police protection.
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Several South Africans from Limpopo Province were also among those seeking refuge. They expressed fears that they could become targets because they are not members of the local Xhosa-speaking community.
At the displacement centres, local authorities continued registration and verification procedures, including fingerprinting and administrative processing, as part of efforts to document those affected and facilitate relocation arrangements.
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Officials have not disclosed the total number of people displaced by the attacks, nor have they provided detailed information regarding long-term relocation plans or repatriation efforts.
The incidents have once again raised concerns about xenophobic violence in South Africa, where tensions involving foreign nationals have periodically resulted in displacement, property damage, and humanitarian challenges.
