Story perspectives

Anti-Immigrant Deadline Triggers Migrant Exodus in South Africa

6/27/2026

Summary

Ramaphosa Warns

Anti-immigrant groups set a June 30 deadline for migrants, sparking a mass exodus.
Thousands of migrants crowded shelters in Durban-Cape Town, while over 8,000 were repatriated, as police used rubber bullets and stun grenades.
President Cyril Ramaphosa warned that blaming foreigners will not fix unemployment above 30 % and pledged border controls.
Humanitarian groups said camps shelter up to 20,000 people with limited water and sanitation, prompting UN calls to protect migrants.

Summary

Government Preps Demonstrations

Government earmarked roughly R600 million for police, private security and drones ahead of June 30 demonstrations.
Human Sciences Research Council poll found one in six South Africans would welcome foreigners and 42 % would welcome none.
Afrobarometer reported seven-in-ten view immigrants’ impact as negative and 85 % demand a halt to refugee arrivals.
Siyafana Sonke Action Campaign, representing over 160 groups, demanded a humanitarian response, a moratorium on deportations and prosecutions of anti-migrant inciters.

History

Historical Context

In May 2008, xenophobic riots erupted in Gauteng townships, killing at least 62 people and displacing thousands, prompting President Thabo Mbeki to deploy the army—the first civilian deployment since apartheid. The violence spurred the ANC to tighten immigration policy, a legacy echoed in June 30, 2024 anti-immigrant protests where President Cyril Ramaphosa’s government has allocated R600 million for police, drones and private security.

1 of 3

Ramaphosa Warns

Anti-immigrant groups set a June 30 deadline for migrants, sparking a mass exodus.
Thousands of migrants crowded shelters in Durban-Cape Town, while over 8,000 were repatriated, as police used rubber bullets and stun grenades.
President Cyril Ramaphosa warned that blaming foreigners will not fix unemployment above 30 % and pledged border controls.
Humanitarian groups said camps shelter up to 20,000 people with limited water and sanitation, prompting UN calls to protect migrants.

1 / 3