Story perspectives

30-Day Deadline Spurs 53,500 Deportations Amid Protests

7/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Anti-immigration protests set an unofficial 30 June deadline for undocumented migrants to leave, prompting many to depart amid fears of violence.
Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi reported that 53,499 foreign nationals—most from Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mozambique—have been deported or repatriated.
President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged public concerns, condemned attacks on migrants and warned against vigilantism.
The United Nations cautioned that migrants should not be used as scapegoats for South Africa’s socioeconomic challenges.

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Story summary

Anti-immigration protests set an unofficial 30 June deadline for undocumented migrants to leave, prompting many to depart amid fears of violence.
Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi reported that 53,499 foreign nationals—most from Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mozambique—have been deported or repatriated.
President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged public concerns, condemned attacks on migrants and warned against vigilantism.
The United Nations cautioned that migrants should not be used as scapegoats for South Africa’s socioeconomic challenges.