Windhoek: Undocumented migrants in South Africa are reportedly facing increasing harassment and threats from anti-migrant groups, civic campaigns, and vigilante movements as the 30 June deadline for their departure approaches. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa recently addressed leaders of the anti-migration protests, reiterating that the 30 June deadline is an unofficial ultimatum issued by these groups and not an official government directive. However, the groups have remained resolute in their stance.
According to Namibia Press Agency, despite the threats, Namibians living in the neighbouring country are reportedly safe from intimidation. Jasuvana Kapara, a Namibian who has lived in South Africa for 30 years, said Namibians have not been targeted amid the current tensions. "From what I have observed, our people have not been targeted. This also speaks to the fact that Namibians are generally not involved in crime compared to some other foreign nationals. These anti-migrant groups are mostly targeting crime hotspot areas," he said.
Kapara said many Namibians in South Africa are documented, while others hold dual citizenship or are studying in the country. "Most, if not all, Namibians residing in South Africa are documented. We have Namibians who came here during colonial times and settled, including former SWATF and Koevoet soldiers who hold dual citizenship. Most of our people have become citizens here, and we have mutual respect and understanding with our brothers and sisters in South Africa," he said.
Justice Mbeumuna Ikajora, who has lived in South Africa for more than 15 years, works as a laborer on a farm near Durban. He witnessed the 2015 xenophobic violence, which erupted in March and April after residents claimed foreign nationals were taking local jobs, resulting in looting, the destruction of foreign-owned businesses, and deadly attacks. The violence displaced thousands of migrants, mainly from Zimbabwe, Malawi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Ikajora said although no Namibians were harmed or involved in the violence, he believes no one can be considered entirely safe should tensions escalate further. "The news about 30 June has been spreading like wildfire. Some foreign nationals from countries such as Zimbabwe, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Nigeria have already started packing and seeking refuge elsewhere. As for the Namibians I know and work with, we have not been targeted. Even South Africans themselves believe Namibians are not a threat," he said.
He said the hostility is mainly directed at foreign nationals whom some locals believe have taken their jobs, particularly in small businesses, with much of the focus centered on crime hotspots such as Johannesburg. "Since these threats, intimidation, and looting began, no Namibian nationals have been involved. I believe locals are mainly targeting foreign nationals whom they associate with criminal activities. South Africa also has a much larger foreign population than many other African countries, and that may be one of the reasons," he said.
Ikajora nevertheless urged fellow Namibians to carry their identity documents at all times to avoid intimidation and unnecessary confrontations. Political commentator Ndumba Kamwanyah told Nampa South Africa's First Safe Country Principle could conflict with international refugee law if asylum seekers are denied protection without a proper assessment of their claims.
Kamwanyah said South Africa's immigration challenges involve not only irregular migration but also significant administrative inefficiencies, backlogs, corruption, and delays within the Department of Home Affairs. "When legal migration pathways are slow or inaccessible, more people may fall into irregular status, making the issue partly a governance and capacity challenge rather than solely one of border control," he said.
He noted that Namibians are generally not the primary focus of anti-immigration sentiment in South Africa. However, he cautioned that rising anti-foreigner sentiment could affect all foreign nationals, regardless of their nationality or immigration status. The Ministry of International Relations and Trade (MIRT) said the government is closely monitoring the anti-migrant protests through its missions in Pretoria and Cape Town. While no Namibian nationals have been reported to have been affected, the ministry urged citizens to prioritize their safety.
"The government has not initiated evacuations, but will issue official advisories should the situation deteriorate," the ministry said. The Namibian High Commission in South Africa has approved the urgent voluntary repatriation of Namibian nationals wishing to return home because of the rising tensions.
"To implement this process, several logistical arrangements must first be put in place. The High Commission of the Republic of Namibia therefore kindly requests all Namibians wishing to participate in the voluntary repatriation process to remain patient while these arrangements are being finalized," the commission said.
MIRT Executive Director Ndiitah Nghipondoka-Robiati recently confirmed to Nampa that the government has taken note of reports of anti-migrant protests and related incidents in South Africa, adding that the safety and welfare of Namibian citizens abroad remain a priority. "Namibia and South Africa enjoy strong historical, political, economic and people-to-people relations. It is therefore important that this matter is addressed in a manner that protects human dignity, upholds the rule of law and preserves the spirit of good neighborliness between our two countries," she said.
The ministry confirmed that there have been no reports of Namibian nationals being affected by the unrest. However, because the situation remains fluid, Namibians residing, studying, doing business, or traveling in South Africa have been urged to remain vigilant, avoid areas affected by unrest, and maintain contact with the High Commission.
Nghipondoka-Robiati stressed that protecting citizens abroad is a collective responsibility and urged Namibians to report any threats, intimidation, harassment, loss of property, or violence to the South African Police Service and notify the nearest Namibian diplomatic or consular mission. "These missions serve as Namibia's first point of contact for citizens requiring consular assistance in South Africa," she said.
The executive director further urged Namibians not to hand over original identity documents to private individuals, informal groups, or persons who are not properly identified as lawful authorities. She reaffirmed Namibia's commitment to acting in the best interests of its citizens while continuing to engage constructively with the South African government.
South African security forces are reported to be on high alert ahead of planned anti-illegal immigration demonstrations on Tuesday, with the government pledging to enforce the law. While organizers are calling for tighter border controls, human rights organizations and analysts have warned that the escalating rhetoric is fueling fear, intimidation, and displacement among migrant and refugee communities.