South Africa’s June 30 Deadline Triggers Nationwide Anti-Immigrant Protests

Months of anti-immigrant rhetoric culminated in a campaign demanding undocumented migrants leave South Africa by 30 June. The country’s history includes xenophobic riots in 2008, 2015 and 2019, and a 2026 unemployment rate of 32 % after 350 000 jobs were lost. Prominent anti-immigrant movements such as March & March and Operation Dudula have organised rallies, identity checks and calls for deportations.

Special Broadcasting Service

Early June, Malawian gardener Kaunga Nyirenda received an ultimatum to depart before 30 June. On 19 June a mob killed a Malawian man in Pietermaritzburg. Activists set the 30 June “deadline” on 24 June. Between 27 June and 30 June mass marches erupted in Durban, Johannesburg and other cities, with police deploying helicopters and armored vehicles.

CNN

The 2022 census recorded 2.4 million foreigners (?5 % of the population); a 2023 StatsSA survey reported 3.1 million migrants (?4.1 %). Police have arrested over 900 protest participants and more than 50 000 undocumented migrants since January. Repatriation figures range from 13 000 (Border Management Authority) to over 25 000 (Guardian). Mozambique cites five citizen deaths; South African police confirm two.

Special Broadcasting Service

President Cyril Ramaphosa warned “we will not tolerate any attempts to destabilise the country,” condemned the violence as unrepresentative, and noted that illegal migration strains services and distorts the labour market. Deputy Police Commissioner Tebello Mosikili said 108 of 120 marches were peaceful, 12 required intervention, and arrests covered immigration violations, public violence and robbery. Security forces maintained a high-alert posture, including aerial surveillance over Durban.

Salem Radio Network News

Human-rights advocates argue the state fails to hold perpetrators accountable; Mukandjwa Shomri reported police demanding migrants’ papers before filing complaints. South African Human Rights Commission’s Philile Ntuli linked xenophobia to economic insecurity and weak governance. Immigrants such as Lydia Mpingashato and Jackson Makwunga describe evictions, threats and loss of livelihood.

The Guardian

• “They said the deadline is the 30th, so they will attack me if I stay,” — Jackson Makwunga, Malawian immigrant

The Guardian

• “I can smell the foreigners,” — Nkosi Ndlovu, pastor

The Guardian

• “When you try to open a case with the police, they will first ask for your papers,” — Mukandjwa Shomri, refugee forum spokesperson

The Guardian

• “June 30 is the deadline, but you don’t have to wait until then – leave now,” — Nkosikhona Ndabandaba, activist

CNN

Mozambique reports five migrant deaths, while South African police confirm two. Repatriation numbers differ between 13 000 and over 25 000. Exact counts of undocumented migrants remain unknown, with estimates ranging from tens of thousands arrested to an indeterminate total.

Special Broadcasting Service

Authorities are investigating mob killings and property damage while continuing repatriations at border points. International NGOs are urging stronger protection mechanisms for migrants as security alerts persist across major cities.

Salem Radio Network News