What Is Happening in South Africa? | Part 1

More than 600 Malawian nationals who spent 11 nights at a temporary place of safety in South Africa's Eastern Cape have now left and begun their journey back to Malawi. Over the past several days, I have been on the ground speaking to people staying at the place of safety, listening to their stories. This is a complex story with no simple answers. In this first part, we speak to Malawian nationals who felt forced to leave the country, as well as a local community leader who has been leading marches and activism against illegal migration in the area. Their perspectives offer insight into a debate that is playing out in communities across South Africa. The Malawian nationals explained they formed a WhatsApp group with more than 500 people who have opted to leave the country. Leaders among them reached out to the Eastern Cape Refugee Centre, which, together with local community members and a disaster relief organisation and Christian volunteers, helped ensure they had a safe place to stay and food to eat while arrangements were made for their return home. At the centre of this story are difficult questions about immigration, law enforcement, unemployment, public services, community concerns and the rule of law. It is a story that affects real people on all sides of the debate. For safety reasons, I chose not to disclose the location of the shelter while vulnerable people were staying there. This is Part 1 of a multi-part series. In the coming days, I will continue reporting on the legal, social and economic questions surrounding migration in South Africa, while following developments as they unfold. I'm Cat White, an independent journalist committed to finding the truth and keeping you informed. #SouthAfrica #Malawi #Migration #EasternCape #Journalism #News #CurrentAffairs #Immigration #Africa #Malawi #xenophobia