South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged protesters to avoid intimidation and violence as anti-migrant demonstrations intensify ahead of an unofficial deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave the country, according to a report published on 29 June 2026.
He warned that the right to protest must be exercised within the bounds of the law, stressing that foreign nationals living legally in South Africa contribute to the economy and are entitled to constitutional protection. The developments come as thousands of migrants—particularly from countries including Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Ghana and Zimbabwe—have left the country in recent weeks, with many fearing violence linked to the protests.
Authorities say more than 12,000 immigrants have been deported or repatriated since the protests began earlier this year, while about 3,500 people have reportedly left voluntarily.
In cities such as Durban and Johannesburg, protests have been authorized under strict conditions, with police warning against violence and the carrying of traditional weapons. Meanwhile, transit camps housing migrants are being dismantled as repatriation efforts continue.
The situation underscores growing social and political tensions over immigration in South Africa, even as Government officials emphasize the need for both law enforcement and respect for human dignity.