South Africa on edge as anti-migrant protests trigger nationwide security operation

 Our Analysts 

South Africa has launched one of its largest domestic security operations in recent years as nationwide anti-migrant protests, organized by nationalist groups demanding the expulsion of undocumented foreigners, swept through major cities on Tuesday, raising fears of renewed xenophobic violence across the country.

Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town and several other urban centres after self-styled activist groups, including March and March and Operation Dudula, declared June 30 a deadline for undocumented migrants to leave South Africa. 

Many protesters carried sticks and traditional weapons while accusing foreign nationals of taking jobs, driving crime and placing pressure on public services.

Although many marches remained peaceful, isolated violence, intimidation and looting were reported in parts of Gauteng and other provinces. 

Businesses owned by foreign nationals closed their doors, public transport services were disrupted in some areas and thousands of migrants sought refuge in churches, community centres, embassies and temporary shelters as fears of attacks spread.

Reuters reported that at least four people have died in violence linked to the anti-migrant campaign, which follows months of escalating tensions and vigilante attacks targeting foreign-owned businesses and communities. 

Police have also opened more than 100 criminal cases against individuals accused of inciting violence and carrying out unlawful evictions of migrants.

The South African government has firmly rejected the protesters' self-imposed deadline, insisting that immigration enforcement remains the exclusive responsibility of the state.

President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged widespread public concerns over illegal immigration, unemployment and border security, but warned that no individual or organization has the authority to demand identification documents or forcibly remove people from their homes.

"We will not allow groups to exploit legitimate concerns to destabilize our country through lawlessness and violence," Ramaphosa said in a national address earlier this month.

An Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration reiterated last week that June 30 would remain "a normal working day" and warned that vigilantism, intimidation and xenophobic attacks would be prosecuted.

Authorities also cautioned against misinformation circulating on social media, saying manipulated videos and false claims were fueling tensions.

Police and members of the South African National Defense Force were deployed across key cities to prevent violence and protect businesses, transport hubs and residential areas. Security forces were seen confiscating weapons and dispersing unruly crowds in some locations using crowd-control measures.

The unfolding crisis has prompted several African governments, including Nigeria, Malawi, Ghana and Zimbabwe, to organize voluntary repatriation efforts for citizens wishing to leave South Africa. 

Nigerian authorities said hundreds of nationals had already returned home, while many others remain in temporary accommodation awaiting evacuation.

South Africa's latest unrest has revived memories of deadly xenophobic violence that has periodically erupted since 2008, when attacks on foreign nationals claimed dozens of lives and displaced thousands.

Human rights organizations warn that the current climate risks repeating that history if authorities fail to contain vigilantism and protect vulnerable communities.

The demonstrations are unfolding against a backdrop of persistent economic hardship. South Africa continues to battle one of the world's highest unemployment rates, while slow economic growth, rising living costs and pressure on public services have fueled public frustration. 

Analysts caution, however, that there is little evidence to support claims that migrants are the primary cause of unemployment or crime, warning that such narratives risk deepening social divisions and undermining the rule of law.