Johannesburg, South Africa (Running Africa) — Thousands of demonstrators marched across South Africa on Monday as a self-imposed deadline issued by anti-illegal immigration groups demanding undocumented migrants leave the country heightened tensions over immigration and public safety.
Large-scale protests took place in Johannesburg, Durban and Pretoria, where participants called for stricter immigration enforcement and the deportation of undocumented foreign nationals. Authorities deployed a heavy police presence across the country amid concerns that the demonstrations could escalate into violence.
While the majority of the marches remained peaceful, police reported isolated incidents of looting, attempted looting, intimidation and damage to property. Several arrests were made, including suspects accused of targeting foreign-owned businesses in Soweto and parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
Organizers estimated that around 10,000 people joined the Johannesburg march, which ended at Kwa Mai-Mai in the city center.
Ahead of the demonstrations, President Cyril Ramaphosa urged protesters to exercise restraint after meeting with protest leaders. He reaffirmed that foreign nationals legally residing in South Africa are protected under the country’s Constitution while pledging continued action against illegal immigration through lawful channels.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) said officers remained on high alert throughout the day to safeguard businesses, critical infrastructure and maintain public order.
According to SAPS, approximately 50,000 undocumented migrants have been arrested since January 2026, with about 25,000 already repatriated. The agency also estimates that more than three million documented foreign nationals currently reside in South Africa.
The June 30 deadline has prompted thousands of migrants to either leave voluntarily or seek assistance from their home countries. Governments including Malawi, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Ghana have coordinated repatriation efforts, with approximately 7,000 Malawians and 600 Nigerians already returning home.
The demonstrations have once again brought South Africa’s long-running immigration debate into focus, reviving concerns over xenophobia and the safety of migrant communities. Rights groups have warned that anti-immigrant rhetoric could fuel further violence, recalling the country’s history of deadly xenophobic attacks, including the 2008 unrest that claimed more than 60 lives.
