Why more than 178,000 immigrants have fled or been deported from South Africa

Key Points:

• Over 178,000 African immigrants have left South Africa recently due to government crackdowns on undocumented migrants and violent anti-immigration protests, with Zimbabwe and Malawi receiving the majority of returnees.
• The exodus includes both deportations and voluntary repatriations, with South Africa officially deporting around 19,000 people since April, while many others returned through repatriation programs.
• Anti-immigrant protests have escalated tensions, leading to attacks on migrants, destruction of property, and deaths, prompting diplomatic disputes between South Africa and other African nations accusing it of xenophobia.
• Thousands of children are among those returning, facing risks such as disrupted education and healthcare, including interrupted HIV treatment, with aid groups providing emergency medical support at border points.
• South African authorities plan to continue the crackdown with increased deportations, workplace inspections, and enhanced border security, while President Ramaphosa condemns violence but acknowledges enforcement shortcomings.