Foreign Roots, Local Struggles

Princess Adjei grew up in Durban after moving from Ghana as a baby. She learned Zulu, made friends, and never felt like an outsider. In November, she opened a hair salon downtown. The shop was her dream and a place where locals trusted her work. On May 18, angry crowds burst into the salon. They smashed windows and stole every item: hair pieces, nails, dryers, shampoos. Adjei lost more than $3, 000 in repairs and the tools she needed to earn a living. Without the salon, she could not pay rent. After the raid, Adjei and her 14‑year‑old son had no home. They slept on the street beside other migrants who also fled violence. Many gathered outside the Department of Home Affairs, hoping officials would confirm their legal status.The attacks are part of a larger wave of xenophobic protests. Groups claiming to fight “illegal immigration” have organized marches that often turn violent. They blame foreigners for jobs and services, especially during economic strain. Police responses have been limited. After protests that killed five Mozambicans, the police only escorted some migrants to shelters that already were full. The next day they told them to leave, then used rubber bullets and tear gas against the crowd. Some locals have turned hostile. A former friend of Adjei’s now asked her to leave the city. Yet others still offer support. A Congolese refugee reached out, asking if everything was okay. Experts say the fear of competition fuels these attacks. Politicians sometimes use anti‑migrant rhetoric to win votes, especially before elections. The violence shows how fragile the safety of those who have lived in South Africa for years can be.