The National Migration Service (SENAMI) confirmed on Monday, June 1, the deportation of around 600 Mozambicans who were victims of xenophobia in South Africa. According to the agency’s spokesperson, Juca Bata, their arrival in national territory is scheduled for Tuesday, June 2.
“The transport carrying the Mozambicans will depart today at around 2:00 p.m. from Cape Town, South Africa, and will arrive in Maputo in the morning via the Ressano Garcia border, the largest and main crossing point between the two countries,” the official told Lusa.
Juca Bata said that national authorities still do not have data on the number of Mozambicans injured or killed in South Africa during the violent clashes.
Recently, the leader of the Mozambican community in South Africa, Manuel Chicanhane, stated that at least four Mozambicans died and several others were injured during confrontations with South African citizens in Mossel Bay, in the Western Cape province.
“The attackers used weapons, and some people were stabbed and hit with stones. The incidents culminated in attacks on homes belonging to Mozambicans and other foreigners, prompting some residents to defend themselves,” he said.
Mozambique remains South Africa’s largest trading partner in the region and on the continent, with annual trade exceeding 128 billion meticais (about USD 2 billion). The relationship, supported by geographical proximity, historical ties, and mutual economic interests, has become one of the most strategic in the region.
South Africa hosts around 2.4 million migrants, just under 4% of its population, according to official data. Most come from neighbouring countries such as Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, which have a long history of supplying migrant labour to their more prosperous neighbour.
Mozambique has around 300,000 citizens living in South Africa, and the Presidency previously stated in a communiqué that “thousands” have already returned to the country due to violence.
Addressing xenophobia in South Africa, UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned what he described as “criminal acts perpetrated by individuals who incite violence and exploit socio-economic conditions.”
In remarks delivered by his spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric on Monday, he reminded South Africans that their fight against apartheid was “sustained by international and African solidarity.”
The UN Secretary-General expressed concern over reports of “xenophobic attacks, harassment, and intimidation,” warning that “violence, vigilantism and all forms of incitement to hatred have no place in an inclusive and democratic society.”
Source: Diário Económico
