Thousands of foreign nationals fled South Africa ahead of a June 30 deadline set by anti-immigrant groups, as protest-linked violence left at least three people dead and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa warned his government would not tolerate attempts to destabilise the country.
The unofficial June 30 deadline was promoted by anti-migrant groups including March and March and Operation Dudula, which demanded that undocumented foreigners leave South Africa. The government rejected the deadline, saying only state authorities can enforce immigration law. The unrest has been linked to deadly attacks on foreign nationals, including the killing of a 29-year-old Malawian man after a protest in Pietermaritzburg and the deaths of two Mozambican men in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, where police said the victims were found with assault injuries.
South Africa’s acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia cancelled all police leave and deployed additional resources nationwide. More than 8,000 foreign nationals were processed for repatriation at the Beitbridge border post alone in under two weeks, as deportations rose 46% over the past two financial years to 109,344 by March 2026.
Ramaphosa condemned the violence, calling it the work of opportunists exploiting legitimate economic grievances.
