Durban Authorities Move Immigrants to Screening Centre Amid Xenophobia Fears
Fresh concerns over xenophobia have surfaced in South Africa after authorities in Durban relocated many Nigerians and other African nationals to a screening centre for immigration verification. This development has sparked widespread reactions on social media and within migrant communities.
The operation, reportedly ordered by Durban Mayor Cyril Xaba, comes amid mounting pressure from local groups demanding stricter action against undocumented foreign nationals. According to local reports, those affected were taken to a designated verification facility where officials checked residency papers, permits, and other immigration documents to determine their legal status.
The exercise triggered anxiety among many African residents in Durban, with community members describing it as another sign of growing hostility towards foreigners. Witnesses said officials conducted inspections in areas with large populations of migrants from Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Ethiopia, and other African countries. Some residents watched in fear as groups of people were moved for documentation checks.
While South African authorities insist the exercise is part of routine immigration enforcement, critics argue it reflects a deeper pattern of anti-foreigner sentiment that has repeatedly surfaced in the country. For many observers, the incident revives painful memories of previous xenophobic attacks, during which foreign nationals were targeted, displaced, and in some cases killed.
Mayor Xaba reportedly maintained that the verification exercise aimed to identify undocumented individuals and ensure compliance with immigration laws. Authorities further claimed that a significant number of those screened possessed valid documents. However, migrant rights advocates insist the operation could fuel public hostility toward foreigners, especially amid economic hardship and unemployment.
Meanwhile, Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has stressed the need for Nigeria and South Africa to deepen dialogue and cooperation in addressing shared continental challenges. Obi met with South African ministers and political party leaders over concerns affecting Nigerians residing in South Africa, particularly issues related to immigration, security, and rising tensions involving foreign nationals.
The former governor of Anambra State, who arrived in South Africa for an international conference, also engaged with members of the Nigerian community in Cape Town to gain firsthand insight into their challenges. In a statement shared on his X account, Obi disclosed that he held discussions with three South African ministers and political leaders on ways to strengthen regional cooperation and promote peaceful coexistence.
According to him, the meetings involved South Africa’s Minister of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber; Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa; and Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie. Obi described the discussions as constructive and frank, focusing on migration issues, economic hardship, youth unemployment, security concerns, and tensions affecting African migrants in South Africa. He reiterated his commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence and stronger bilateral relations between Nigeria and South Africa.
