FOREIGN nationals in South Africa, particularly Zimbabweans, are living in fear after a group calling itself “Concerned Citizens of South Africa” announced plans for a nationwide shutdown and an anti-immigrant march scheduled for May 4.
The group’s notice, signed by Zwelethu Buthelezi and addressed to the African National Congress at the Chief Albert Luthuli Building, demands the removal of all foreign nationals, both documented and undocumented, within an ultimatum of 48 hours to 14 working days.
It warned that if authorities fail to comply, we will “remove these foreigners ourselves,” adding that “no one will be blamed or arrested.”
The intended recipients include President Cyril Ramaphosa, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, the ANC national executive committee, Home Affairs, South African Police Services, the South African National Defence Forces (SANDF) and the Constitutional Court.
“Foreigners are benefiting by living a luxurious life in our country,” the notice read.
“Failing to remove the foreigners, he [Ramaphosa] must either resign or be removed by relevant authorities, including the ANC national executive committee or SANDF.”
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The march is set to begin at Mary Fitzgerald Square in Johannesburg.
However, the inflammatory language used has triggered alarm among migrant communities and human rights organisations.
The announcement has heightened anxiety among foreign nationals in South Africa, particularly Zimbabweans — one of the country’s largest migrant communities — amid fears that the planned march can escalate tensions and trigger violence reminiscent of past xenophobic attacks.
Chairperson of the African Development Consortium, Butholezwe Nyathi, said Zimbabweans were particularly concerned about their safety.
“Migrants will find themselves in vulnerable situations if they do not heed the call to organise themselves for voluntary repatriation or participate in activities that benefit South Africans, such as skills transfer or employing South Africans in their businesses,” Nyathi said.
Educationist Nkosilathi Ncube said fear was spreading within migrant communities.
“We do not know whether they will leave us alive or not. We are stranded,” he said.
An informal trader in Johannesburg added: “We are trying to survive like everyone else. When we see messages like this, we worry for our safety and our businesses.”
Legal experts have warned that any attempt to forcibly remove individuals outside due process will be unlawful.
South Africa has previously experienced outbreaks of xenophobic violence that disproportionately affected Zimbabweans, Mozambicans and Somalis, leading to injuries, displacement and loss of property.