South African anti-migrant protesters should march peacefully, Cyril Ramaphosa warns

People intending to protest against migrants should do so without “intimidation, threats or ultimatums”, President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned on the eve of an unofficial deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave South Africa

Several thousand citizens of other African countries have already left the country in recent weeks fearing violence

One undocumented Malawian told the BBC he was “happy to be going back” but “heartbroken” to be leaving behind four young children

As protests have ramped up in recent months, Ramaphosa has repeatedly warned demonstrators to act peacefully and responsibly, while also accepting the need for immigration reforms

“Some foreign nationals who live in South Africa are here lawfully,” he reminded citizens in his weekly newsletter

“They work, study, raise families, invest in our economy and contribute positively to our society. They too are entitled to the protection of our laws and our Constitution

“The right to protest and freedom of expression does not allow people to threaten or intimidate others, or to engage in acts of vandalism or violence,” he wrote

There are more than three million documented foreign nationals in South Africa, according to official figures

Ahead of the deadline, thousands of migrants have been awaiting processing in temporary camps for several weeks out of fear for their safety

In Durban, which seen some of the biggest protests, white tents housing mostly Malawians are being dismantled as authorities race to clear the transit camp

Women in colourful sarongs sat on top of their belongings, waiting in line to board a bus home to Malawi

One man, Nelson Mbewe, said he had gone to South Africa in search of employment to support his family in Malawi

“But we’ve faced challenges – they’re saying we should go back home because we do not have the right documents,” he told the BBC

“They say we are Makwerekwere” – a xenophobic slur used to refer to African migrants from other countries – Mbewe said

“It’s their country, so what can we do? That’s why we have accepted that we just have to [unwillingly] go back home.”

Hassan Phiri, a Malawian who is still waiting to be processed, had a message for the protesters

“All I want to say to South Africans is that we are all one. No matter what is happening, no matter what will happen, Africa must remain Africa

“Africa can be Africa without South Africa… without Malawi, without anywhere,” he told the BBC, adding: “So whatever will happen, we must love each other and stick together as Africa.”

According to the government, more than 12,000 immigrants have been deported or repatriated since a wave of protests began earlier this year

Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria and Zimbabwe have been organising repatriations by air or bus over the last few weeks – with about 3,500 foreigners volunteering to leave

South African authorities claim more than 500 Nigerians repatriated did not have correct papers, which Nigeria has disputed

More anti-migrant marches have been authorised for Tuesday in Durban, Johannesburg and other cities

The authorities have warned organisers to ensure there is no violence but say they are prepared for any potential disruption

Xenophobia has long been an issue in South Africa, and has sometimes lead to violence

In 2008, more than 60 people died during a wave of rioting against non-South Africans

Getty Images/BBC

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