South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged anti-migrant demonstrators to protest peacefully ahead of an impending, unofficial deportation deadline.
The stark warning arrives as thousands of undocumented African migrants flee the country, fearing a volatile wave of xenophobic violence.
In Durban, authorities are rapidly dismantling transit camps where vulnerable families have sought refuge for several weeks.
Displaced women sit atop salvaged belongings, waiting for buses to carry them away from their adopted homes.
Departing migrants express deep heartbreak over leaving their children behind, forced out by hostile ultimatums and intimidation.
Many individuals face bitter harassment, with local demonstrators using derogatory slurs to demand their immediate departure.
“Africa must remain Africa,” pleaded Hassan Phiri, a Malawian migrant urging unity and mutual love across the continent.
Acknowledging the friction, Ramaphosa emphasized that law-abiding foreign nationals contribute positively and deserve full constitutional protection.
The presidency stressed that the democratic right to protest never justifies vandalism, threats, or lawless behavior.
Authorized marches are set to proceed on Tuesday within major urban hubs, including Johannesburg and Durban.
Security forces remain on high alert, banning traditional weapons to prevent clashes between police and demonstrators.
Official records indicate that over 12,000 immigrants have already been deported since demonstrations escalated this year.