In blaze of powerlessness, South Africans rage against migrants
For days, the warnings had been slowly snaking their way across the city, spread by text messages and whispered conversations.
“NOTICE TO ALL FOREIGNERS IN SOUTH AFRICA,” read one message widely circulated on WhatsApp. “We are going to knock every company, houses, flats and squatter camps looking for you. Better pack your bags and go. This is a serious warning.”
“Attention All,” began another. “Tomorrow is the final phase of our strike. Make sure all the foreigners are swept away. ... We want our country back.”
At home near a rambling district of used-car lots and corner stores east of downtown Johannesburg, Elvis Yusuf’s phone buzzed with these messages, forwarded by fellow
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