Surge in attacks against foreigners in Kwazulu Natal and Gauteng provinces following late-March speech by Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini accusing them of stealing opportunities from South Africans; at least seven killed, thousands displaced, and over 300 arrested for involvement in attacks. Defence minister 21 April said soldiers deployed to help police restore order. Attacks met with regional condemnation: Malawi, Zimbabwe and Somalia repatriated nationals, Nigeria withdrew envoys from Pretoria.

Concerns over possible mass deportation of Zimbabweans living in South Africa illegally, after only 251,000 immigrants out of estimated more than 1 million applied for proper documentation by 31 Dec deadline.

ANC proposing new laws to create tribunal to regulate media and outlaw leaking or publication of information deemed classifiable by govt; media groups charge threats to press freedom.

Reports of attacks on migrant workers in Cape Town, Johannesburg townships saw deployment of police and army reinforcements to quell violence, with fears of repeat of 2008 deadly xenophobic attacks. Several injured, scores of Zimbabweans and other immigrants reportedly leaving country.

Troops withdrawn from Johannesburg, Cape Town townships as security situation stabilised after some 62 killed, 85,000 displaced in May wave of xenophobic violence; sporadic attacks in June. Most IDPs reportedly returned to neighbouring states. Govt 12 June announced plan to reintegrate some 20,000 remaining IDPs before closing camps in 2 months.

Brutal xenophobic violence against immigrants, mostly from Zimbabwe, Mozambique, erupted Alexandra township 11 May. Attacks spread in, around Johannesburg, Cape Town – eventually 7 of 9 SA provinces. Over 60 reported killed; some burnt alive. Number of displaced uncertain: reports of 70,000 fleeing, 33,000 to neighbouring states. Mozambique, Malawi evacuated citizens; Harare said sent buses to repatriate some 1,000. President Mbeki 18 May proposed inquiry into attacks; troops deployed 22 May to quell unrest – first such deployment since end apartheid. ANC officials, others called for Mbeki to step down. Govt began 31 May set up of temporary shelters, amid rising unrest in make-shift camps; special courts to prosecute attackers – over 1,300 reportedly arrested.