South Africa Repatriates 25,000 Migrants Amid Xenophobic Violence

South Africa experienced a surge of xenophobic violence and mass repatriations in June 2026, triggered by an unofficial June 30 deadline issued by vigilante groups including Operation Dudula and March and March. These groups demanded that undocumented foreign nationals leave the country, framing migration as a cause of high unemployment and failing public services. The unrest led to house-to-house raids, looting, and at least four deaths, including nationals from Mozambique, Malawi, and Ethiopia.

Cyril Ramaphosa, the President of South Africa, condemned the vigilantism and warned that attempts to destabilize the country would not be tolerated. To maintain order, the government deployed the military on standby, allocated R600-million to the South African Police Service, and clarified that immigration enforcement is the sole responsibility of the state. Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia further reinforced security by cancelling police leave ahead of the June 30 protests.

The threats triggered a mass exodus, with the Border Management Authority reporting that more than 25,000 people were repatriated. Thousands of Zimbabweans and Malawians sought refuge at their respective consulates in Cape Town and Johannesburg, often sleeping rough in poor conditions before being moved to government reception centers in Epping and Musina. While the governments of Malawi, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ghana, and Mozambique facilitated repatriation flights and buses, humanitarian groups like Gift of the Givers provided essential aid to the displaced. Despite the government's condemnation, protests continued through early July, with further lootings reported in Durban and the Clermont township.