In brief
South Africa’s anti‑migrant campaign intensified on 29‑30 June as tens of thousands rallied in cities such as Pretoria, Durban and Johannesburg. Protesters demanded that undocumented migrants leave the country by a set deadline, citing unemployment and xenophobia. Police deployed large numbers of officers and private security, and the army was positioned on a contingency basis in Johannesburg and Durban. While most marches remained peaceful, isolated incidents of looting, injuries and arrests were recorded. Meanwhile, authorities repatriated approximately 25,000 migrants, with many more awaiting processing in temporary camps.
South Africa’s anti‑migrant protests intensify
Thousands marched in Pretoria, Durban, Johannesburg and other major cities on 29‑30 June, demanding that undocumented migrants be removed from the country by the weekend deadline.
The protests, organised by groups such as March & March and Operation Dudula, saw heavy police presence and the deployment of private security guards to prevent escalation. Police Minister Firoz Cachalia confirmed that the army was on a contingency basis in Johannesburg and Durban.
While most rallies remained peaceful, isolated incidents of looting and property damage were reported. In Hillbrow, three protesters were arrested for opening fire on demonstrators, with a 17‑year‑old among those wounded. Bricks were thrown in the Yeoville area, damaging several homes.
In Durban, white tents at a transit camp were dismantled as authorities cleared the site. Official figures show that 25,000 people, mostly from neighbouring African states, have been repatriated to date. Around 7,000 Malawian migrants have already been flown home, and a further 200 remain stranded in Mozambique awaiting transport.
The protests also triggered closures of shops and markets across the capitals. In Germiston, demonstrators entered homes to check the documentation of residents, handing suspect foreigners to police.
President Cyril Ramaphosa met with protest leaders on the eve of the marches to de‑escalate tensions, urging for peaceful action while acknowledging the need for immigration reform.
The situation underscores South Africa’s long‑standing struggle with xenophobic attitudes. While the government has pursued repatriation efforts, the underlying unemployment and social inequality continue to fuel tensions.
