Thousands of foreign nationals, including several prominent figures and celebrities, are reportedly leaving South Africa in anticipation of planned anti-immigrant demonstrations today, Tuesday, June 30, 2026. Despite government assurances that the June 30th date is not an official deadline, a wave of heightened anxiety and fear has gripped the country, leading to mass departures.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged public concerns regarding illegal immigration but has sternly warned that only the state is authorized to enforce immigration laws, cautioning against vigilantism. However, reports indicate that some demonstrations have already turned violent, particularly in informal settlement communities, with door-to-door raids allegedly targeting all foreign nationals irrespective of their immigration status.
Neighboring countries are actively racing to repatriate their citizens. Uganda, for instance, announced plans to evacuate 746 nationals who expressed a desire to return home due to safety and security concerns. Similarly, over 45,000 Zimbabweans have voluntarily left South Africa, with many camping outside the Zimbabwean Consulate in Cape Town for processing. Malawi has seen over 50,000 citizens leave, with 25,000 repatriated by their government.
The ‘March on March’ movement, an anti-immigration group, has been instrumental in issuing unofficial ultimatums for undocumented immigrants to leave the country by today, generating widespread concern across the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Key Players Involved
- South African Government: Stresses that only the state can enforce immigration laws and warns against vigilantism.
- President Cyril Ramaphosa: Acknowledged public concerns while warning against illegal enforcement.
- Foreign Nationals (including Celebrities): Thousands are leaving South Africa due to safety concerns.
- ‘March on March’ Movement: Anti-immigration group issuing unofficial ultimatums.
Event Timeline
- Past Month: Over 100,000 Africans have fled South Africa, with 42 fatalities reported during attacks or protests.
- June 29, 2026: Thousands of foreign nationals are reported to be leaving South Africa ahead of planned anti-immigrant demonstrations.
- June 30, 2026 (Today): Deadline set by anti-immigrant groups for undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa.
