South Africa's Anti-Migrant Protesters March Nationwide, After Thousands Flee Violence
At least 4 people were killed and thousands displaced as marches turned violent, with police arresting looters and the military on standby.
- Thousands of protesters marched across South Africa on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, to enforce an anti-immigrant deadline, with widespread looting and sporadic violence erupting in Johannesburg and other cities.
- Organized by anti-migration vigilante groups, protesters blame immigrants for straining public services and driving crime; organizers demanded national resources be used to remove illegal immigrants from the country.
- Violent clashes have left at least four people dead and thousands of foreigners displaced from homes. Deputy National Commissioner for Policing Tebello Mosikili reported 103 criminal cases opened against anti-foreigner vigilantes since March.
- On Tuesday, June 30, 2026, President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned the violence, acknowledging citizens' concerns about illegal immigration "are real" while stating the right to protest "does not allow people to threaten or intimidate others, or to engage in acts of vandalism or violence."
- The anti-migrant movement plans to hold weekly marches until objectives are met, as South Africa confronts deep economic inequality and widespread joblessness that fuel underlying tensions.
25 Articles
25 Articles
Ottumwa Courier
Anti-immigration protesters march in South Africa, as some immigrants leave the country
Thousands of demonstrators have gathered in South Africa to protest illegal immigration. This marks the largest migration-related protest since 2008. Activists blame migrants for unemployment and crime, and gave the government a deadline of June 30 to remove all migrants…
South Africa's anti-migrant protesters march nationwide, after thousands flee violence
Thousands of people marched across South Africa on Tuesday to demand the departure of undocumented foreign nationals after a weeks-long campaign that has sent thousands fleeing and claimed four lives. Police were out in force for nationwide protests which capped demonstrations led by citizen-led groups who set an unofficial June 30 deadline for foreigners without papers to leave. FRANCE 24's Sharon Gaffney speaks with Fredson Guilengue, Senior R…
The anti-migration movement gave illegal migrants time to leave until 30 June. Thousands are already on the run. President Ramaphosa strongly condemned the anti-foreign violence.
Radio France Internationale
allAfricaSouth Africa braces for violence as anti-migrant marches reach boiling point
South African police were deployed in force across the country on Tuesday to forestall unrest and protests, as anti-immigrant groups' unofficial deadline for undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country fell. It follows a weeks-long campaign that has sent thousands fleeing and claimed four lives.
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