Members of the Zulu regiment known as the ‘Amabutho’ chant slogans as they march during a demonstration by the “March and March” movement marking an unofficial deadline set by citizen-led groups for undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa, in Durban, on June 30, 2026. (Photo by RAJESH JANTILAL / AFP)
Thousands of South Africans took to the streets on Tuesday, calling for the removal of undocumented foreign nationals as weeks of anti-immigration demonstrations culminated in nationwide protests. The campaign has already forced thousands of migrants to flee the country and has been linked to the deaths of four people.
Police maintained a heavy presence across major cities as citizen-led vigilante groups marked the end of an unofficial June 30 deadline they had issued for undocumented migrants to leave South Africa.
Although most demonstrations remained peaceful, authorities reported isolated incidents of looting, stone-throwing, and confrontations. Near Johannesburg, security forces intervened to escort several foreign nationals away from an angry crowd armed with sticks.
In Johannesburg, South Africa’s financial hub, protesters marched through the city centre waving national flags and placards. Many businesses remained closed, public transport services were limited, and workers stayed home as police in riot gear monitored the demonstrations.
In Durban, protesters dressed in traditional Zulu warrior attire carried spears, shields, and whips, with some wearing leopard skins as they joined the march.
One demonstrator, 48-year-old Brightness Gumbi, said she believed undocumented migrants had an unfair advantage in operating businesses.
“I cannot even afford to rent a shop, yet illegal foreigners can,” she told AFP. “They manage because they sell drugs to our people. I hope our president listens to our concerns and enforces stricter immigration laws.”
In Cape Town, around 100 people joined the protest march, while a separate group staged a counter-demonstration condemning xenophobia and Afrophobia.
Calls for Mass Deportations
South Africa remains one of Africa’s top destinations for migrant workers despite facing unemployment above 30 percent, rising crime, and strained public services.
Groups behind the demonstrations argue that undocumented migrants are taking jobs and government services from South Africans. However, analysts say migrants are being unfairly blamed for deeper economic and governance challenges.
Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, leader of the anti-immigration March and March movement, urged authorities to carry out large-scale deportations.
“South Africans have been replaced by illegal foreigners, increasing unemployment,” she told supporters in Durban. “We want mass deportations. Over the next six months, the government must remove those who have not left.”
Police confirmed that at least four foreign nationals—including two Mozambicans, one Ethiopian, and one Malawian—have been killed during the recent wave of anti-immigrant violence.
In response, several African countries, including Nigeria, Malawi, Ghana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, have arranged voluntary repatriation flights and bus services for their citizens wishing to return home.
Although South Africa has experienced outbreaks of anti-immigrant violence in the past, this is the first time multiple African governments have simultaneously organized large-scale repatriation efforts.
Authorities said more than 25,000 people had already been processed for departure in recent weeks.
Migrants Fear for Their Safety
As protests continued, hundreds of migrants—mainly from Zimbabwe and Malawi—gathered at collection points in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and other cities while waiting for transportation home.
Many said they had lost their jobs or been evicted by landlords concerned about attacks or possible penalties.
“The people in South Africa don’t want us here. I’m scared,” a 23-year-old Zimbabwean woman, who requested anonymity, told AFP while waiting with around 2,000 others for buses.
In Durban, only a few dozen Malawians remained at a departure centre after thousands had already been transported either back to Malawi or to processing centres near the Zimbabwean border.
“I thought I could stay, but our neighbours warned us last night,” said 32-year-old Adam John. “I decided it was safer to return home while I still could.”
Government Moves to Prevent Violence
Fearing a repeat of the widespread unrest that left around 350 people dead during riots and looting five years ago, authorities deployed large numbers of security personnel nationwide.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced stronger measures to tackle illegal immigration while urging traditional leaders to help calm tensions within their communities.
Political analyst Dale McKinley said the anti-immigration campaign has become increasingly politicized ahead of South Africa’s local government elections scheduled for November.
South Africa has a history of deadly anti-foreigner violence. In one of the country’s worst outbreaks in 2008, at least 62 people were killed in xenophobic attacks.
