Two Ghanaian friends face different paths amid South Africa anti-migrant threats
7 reported1 unconfirmed
According to a single-source report from the Christian Science Monitor, two Ghanaian women living in South Africa navigated threats of anti-migrant violence and a government repatriation offer. Esther Ofosu and her friend Shalom, who asked that only her first name be used due to her lack of long-term legal status, ran a salon in Carletonville, south of Johannesburg. In early April, threats from a group called "March and March" escalated, with a deadline of June 30 for all illegal migrants to self-deport. The Ghanaian government announced a repatriation plan in early May for its 25,000 citizens in South Africa who felt endangered. Esther boarded the first repatriation flight on May 27 alongside about 300 other Ghanaians, while Shalom remained in South Africa, unable to afford a ticket after free flights ended. The report notes that Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe also began evacuating hundreds of their citizens in the days that followed.
What’s reported
The threats were largely organized by a group called "March and March," which advocates for an end to illegal migration in South Africa.
The group set a deadline of June 30 for all illegal migrants to self-deport.
The Ghanaian government announced a plan to repatriate any of its 25,000 citizens living in South Africa who felt endangered or "unwelcome."
Esther Ofosu boarded the first repatriation flight on May 27 with about 300 other Ghanaians.
Shalom did not leave because she lacked savings to buy a ticket after free government flights ended.
Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe also began evacuating hundreds of their citizens.
South African police pledged a 600 million rand (about $36.5 million) deployment to keep order on June 30.
Open questions
The article does not specify how many people were evacuated in total or whether further repatriation flights are planned.
Key figures
Esther Ofosu: Ghanaian woman who repatriated from South Africa.
Shalom: Ghanaian woman who remained in South Africa; only first name used.
Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma: Leader of March and March.
Eunice: Shalom's cousin; surname withheld.
Sources: csmonitor.com
