South Africa: Activists Go Door-to-Door to Counter Xenophobia in Yeoville

What the report says

Activists in Yeoville, a Johannesburg neighbourhood known for its large migrant population, have gone door-to-door and picketed at the local clinic to push back against xenophobic harassment. The action was organised by the Siyafana Sonke Campaign, a coalition of civil society groups, after reports that immigrant street traders, shop owners, salon workers and clinic users were being targeted by vigilante groups.

According to GroundUp, the campaign said access to Yeoville Clinic has again been restricted for some immigrants, despite an earlier court order obtained by Kopanag Africa Against Xenophobia and partners requiring the clinic to assist people with valid documents. Activists said the renewed tensions have followed protests by groups such as March and March in the area, and that fear among immigrants has increased.

The report included accounts from immigrant residents and local community members who said harassment, extortion and insecurity have worsened. One resident, Alida Mpombo, described long-term difficulties renewing asylum papers and said returning to the Democratic Republic of Congo was not possible because of conflict there. Another community member said the area is no longer safe for either locals or foreigners.

The episode reflects wider anti-immigrant tensions seen in parts of South Africa, where civil society organisations have repeatedly challenged efforts to bar migrants from services or public spaces. The activists said their current campaign is meant to inform residents of their rights and to oppose violence and division in the community.