RismadarVoice Reporters, June 30, 2026
Thousands of demonstrators marched across South Africa on Tuesday in nationwide anti-immigration protests calling for the removal of undocumented foreign nationals, amid heightened security and growing fears of xenophobic violence.
The protests, which followed an unofficial June 30 deadline issued by anti-immigration campaigners for undocumented migrants to leave the country, drew large crowds in several cities, including Johannesburg.
Videos circulating on social media showed protesters marching through parts of Johannesburg, demanding stricter immigration enforcement and the deportation of undocumented foreigners.
According to the BBC, police were deployed across the country to prevent the demonstrations from escalating into violence.
Ahead of the protests, Cyril Ramaphosa appealed for calm, urging demonstrators to conduct themselves peacefully and avoid intimidation, threats or ultimatums, even as his administration acknowledged the need for reforms to the country’s immigration system.
The BBC reported that the protests were largely peaceful, although isolated incidents of looting and attempted looting were recorded.
In Johannesburg, the city centre witnessed reduced commercial activity, with many businesses remaining closed while police maintained a visible presence on major roads. In the Yeoville suburb, which has a sizeable migrant population, some protesters reportedly threw bricks, damaging the windows of residential buildings.
Police also arrested five suspects in Soweto over the alleged looting of a foreign-owned shop, while another five people were arrested in Hammarsdale in connection with the reported break-in of a tuck shop.
The broadcaster further reported that thousands of migrants had already left their communities to escape intimidation and violence. South African authorities said about 25,000 undocumented migrants, most of them from other African countries, had been repatriated.
One undocumented Malawian interviewed by the BBC said he was relieved to be returning home but saddened to leave behind his four young children.
The demonstrations have also heightened anxiety among Nigerians living in South Africa.
On Monday, dozens of Nigerians gathered at the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria seeking temporary refuge over fears of possible xenophobic attacks linked to the protests.
Some said they felt safer within the embassy premises, while others awaiting evacuation expressed frustration after missing the latest repatriation flight.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has continued its voluntary evacuation programme for Nigerians willing to return home.
Meanwhile, a fresh batch of 271 Nigerians arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Tuesday aboard an Air Peace flight from Johannesburg. The returnees were received by officials of the National Emergency Management Agency, the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission.
