South Africa Repatriates Thousands Amid Anti-Immigrant Violence

South Africa has intensified its crackdown on irregular migration following a national address by Cyril Ramaphosa on June 7, 2026. The government's strategy involves increased border security and the establishment of priority courts to expedite deportations. Since January 1, 2026, authorities have arrested over 40,000 undocumented migrants, and Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber reported 2,745 repatriations within a single week. This state action coincides with a surge in vigilante violence, where mobs have looted businesses and set a June 30 deadline for illegal immigrants to depart.

In Durban, approximately 7,000 Malawian nationals sought shelter at Sherwood Hall to escape attacks. Repatriation efforts for this group have been hampered by a shortage of inspectors and funding; while the Malawian government and South Africa initially provided a combined 18 buses, officials noted that at least 100 are needed. Separately, South Africa deported 980 Malawians from the Lindela Repatriation Centre, though Malawian officials criticized the government for dropping them at the Mwanza border post rather than the usual depot in Blantyre.

International tensions are rising as Nigeria, Ghana, and Malawi coordinate the return of their citizens. Ghana has considered seeking compensation for its nationals, while Nigeria condemned the targeted treatment of black migrants. Internally, Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi warned that the unrest is damaging South Africa's international brand and commercial interests. The violence has already claimed the lives of several Mozambicans during a May 29 march in Mossel Bay.