June 26, 2026 l By Kimberly White
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — Thousands of foreign nationals are scrambling to leave South Africa ahead of planned nationwide anti-immigrant protests scheduled for June 30, as fears of renewed xenophobic violence spread across the country despite government appeals for calm.
Makeshift evacuation centers and foreign diplomatic missions have been overwhelmed in recent days as migrants from neighboring countries including Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique this includes other African countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and so on —seek transportation home following weeks of escalating hostility toward foreign nationals.
In Durban, thousands of Malawian nationals gathered at a temporary processing center, hoping to secure passage back to their home country before the demonstrations begin. Meanwhile, in Cape Town, hundreds of Zimbabweans spent the night outside their country's consulate waiting for assistance, while Mozambican authorities accelerated efforts to evacuate citizens concerned about their safety.
The planned protests are being organized by anti-immigration groups, including the movement known as March and March, which has demanded that undocumented migrants leave South Africa by June 30. Organizers argue that illegal immigration has contributed to rising unemployment, crime, and increasing pressure on public services. However, they have denied responsibility for any violence that may occur during the demonstrations.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned xenophobic attacks and warned that violence against foreign nationals will not be tolerated. He urged citizens to express grievances peacefully and emphasized that law enforcement agencies have been instructed to maintain public order and protect vulnerable communities.
Police officials have also announced heightened security measures across several provinces where demonstrations are expected, warning that anyone engaging in vigilantism, intimidation, or attacks on migrants will face prosecution.
Despite those assurances, fear continues to spread among immigrant communities, many of whom have already experienced harassment, assaults, and forced displacement in recent weeks. Refugees and asylum seekers from conflict-affected countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo say they have nowhere else to go and are appealing to authorities for protection.
One refugee, who fled violence in childhood and has lived in South Africa for years, told Reuters she now fears becoming homeless again after repeated threats and attacks. Humanitarian organizations say many displaced migrants are struggling to find shelter, food, and legal assistance as uncertainty grows.
The latest wave of anti-immigrant sentiment reflects longstanding frustrations over South Africa's high unemployment rate, slow economic growth, and pressure on public services. Protest organizers have blamed undocumented migrants for many of the country's challenges, although researchers and government data indicate that foreign nationals account for only a small share of South Africa's population and are not disproportionately responsible for crime. Economists also note that migrants contribute to local economies by creating businesses, filling labor shortages, and generating employment opportunities.
Several neighboring governments have stepped up emergency response efforts to assist citizens wishing to leave South Africa. Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique have coordinated transportation and consular support, while regional leaders continue to monitor the situation closely amid concerns that violence could escalate if protests turn confrontational.
South Africa has experienced repeated outbreaks of xenophobic violence over the past two decades, with previous attacks leaving dozens dead and forcing thousands of migrants to flee their homes. Rights organizations have warned that the current atmosphere of fear bears troubling similarities to earlier episodes and are urging authorities to act decisively to prevent further bloodshed.
As June 30 approaches, security forces remain on high alert while thousands of migrants continue searching for safe passage out of the country, uncertain whether the planned demonstrations will remain peaceful or erupt into another wave of violence.