Migrants flee africatv.com/beyond-june-30-the-economy-politics-and-immigration-debate-in-south-africa/” title=”Beyond June 30: The economy, politics and immigration debate in South Africa“>South Africa amid anti-immigrant group threats
President Ramaphosa rejects ultimatum, warns against violence
Police investigate attacks as migrants seek refuge in sheltersDid our AI summary help?
Thousands of migrants are fleeing South Africa or taking shelter in temporary shelters as anti-immigrant groups intensify calls for undocumented foreigners to leave the country by Tuesday, raising fears of renewed xenophobic violence
The protests are being organised by groups including March & March and Operation Dudula, whose name in Zulu means “push back”. The groups have issued Tuesday as a deadline for undocumented migrants to leave South Africa, warning of nationwide demonstrations if their demands are not met. While organisers insist the demonstrations are peaceful, recent rallies have been followed by attacks on both documented and undocumented migrants, prompting heightened security across the country South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has rejected the deadline issued by anti-immigrant groups and warned that authorities would not tolerate any attempts to incite violence or destabilise the country
Ahead of the planned demonstrations, Ramaphosa said attacks on foreign nationals do not reflect South Africa’s official policy or the views of most of its citizens. He said some groups were exploiting public frustration over unemployment and poor public services “under the guise of community activism”, adding that security forces had been placed on high alert
Migrants fear more violence
Many migrants say they fear becoming targets if the demonstrations turn violent
Kaunga Nyirenda, a Malawian gardener who has lived in South Africa for 16 years, told CNN he was threatened by two men earlier this month and warned to leave the country or “return in a coffin.”
Police are investigating several recent attacks on foreign nationals, including the killing of two Mozambican men during violence in Mossel Bay and the death of a Malawian man who was allegedly attacked by a mob near Durban. The incidents have forced hundreds of migrants to seek refuge in churches and mosques, according to state broadcaster SABC
Why are migrants being targeted?
Opposition groups have argued that undocumented immigrants are snatching jobs from South Africans and increasing crime as well as putting more burden on government amenities such as hospitals and educational institutions
These issues have become serious concerns for parts of the population. The official unemployment rate of South Africa was 32% in the first quarter of 2026. Youth unemployment is one of the worst problems
The reality, however, is more complicated. According to statistics by South Africa’s statistics bureau, the country was home to 3.1 million immigrants, representing 4.1% of the population in 2023. It has been shown through research by Reuters that there is little indication that immigrants snatch jobs from South Africans; rather, immigrants tend to establish businesses
A long history of xenophobic violence
South Africa has seen several cases of xenophobia in the last two decades, such as violence in 2008, 2015, and 2019
The reaction of the government in the coming days will be keenly observed, as human rights organizations have warned that the violence may spread to large-scale unrest. With Tuesday’s deadline approaching, they have urged authorities to protect vulnerable communities and prevent a repeat of the deadly xenophobic violence that has periodically erupted across South Africa over the past two decadesfirst published: Jun 29, 2026 03:53 pm
