Thousands march in South Africa in anti-migrant protests, police deployed amid heavy presence

Thousands of anti-migrant protesters marched across South Africa on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, leading to a substantial police deployment in major cities such as Johannesburg, Durban, and Pretoria. These demonstrations, organized by groups including "March and March" and "Operation Dudula," stemmed from grievances that undocumented foreign nationals are responsible for unemployment, increased crime, and pressure on public services.

The protests coincided with an unofficial deadline set by some groups for undocumented migrants to leave the country, a deadline not recognized by the South African government which asserts that only authorities can enforce immigration laws. Ahead of and during the marches, President Cyril Ramaphosa urged participants to protest peacefully, while police were deployed to prevent violence and looting.

While many demonstrations were largely peaceful, scattered incidents of violence, stone-throwing, and looting were reported in some areas. The unrest has prompted thousands of foreign nationals to either flee or seek assistance for repatriation to their home countries.