Thousands demonstrated across South Africa on 30 June 2026 against illegal immigration, in a series of marches organised by groups such as Operation Dudula and March and March. According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), major cities and towns witnessed the largest migration-focused protests since 2008, with incidents of looting and multiple arrests but mainly peaceful crowds. The government stated it had not issued any ultimatum to undocumented migrants, distancing itself from a deadline imposed by activist groups.

Police Response And Political Statements

SAPS confirmed that units were strategically deployed nationwide and hotspots flagged in advance, with Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia stating, “We urge citizens to exercise their constitutional rights responsibly and to ensure that demonstrations remain peaceful and lawful.” Arrests were made in connection to looting in Johannesburg and Durban, but no mass casualties or widespread violence were reported.

The government described the so-called deadline for undocumented migrants to leave as “fake” and designed to cause panic, according to an official statement. President Cyril Ramaphosa, joined by Amnesty International South Africa, rejected claims that immigrants are chiefly responsible for South Africa’s economic struggles and attributed persistent hardship to long-term systemic issues rooted in apartheid and structural inequality.

Migration Impact And Community Concerns

The marches led to a mass departure of migrants, with thousands reportedly returning to Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Nigeria over the past week as confirmed by repatriation statistics. Official figures show that South Africa has deported over 400 foreign nationals while more than 4,000 migrants have been voluntarily repatriated since the protests.

Social and human rights organisations have expressed concern that the marches reflect intensifying xenophobia and could spark further violence or instability if left unchecked. Previous major outbreaks of anti-immigrant violence occurred in 2008 and 2015, with many community leaders and analysts warning that scapegoating foreign nationals distracts from addressing underlying issues such as unemployment and exclusion.

The situation remains tense as civil society and government representatives call for calm, structural reforms, and a renewed focus on tackling economic hardship without targeting vulnerable groups. Further developments are expected as authorities review policing measures and social tensions in affected regions.