Protesters gather as one of them waves a South African flag during a protest march against undocumented migrants in Springs, Ekurhuleni, on June 8, 2026. Hundreds of anti-migrant protesters marched through a township outside Johannesburg on June 8, 2026, a day after South African President Cyril Ramaphosa pledged action against groups accused of fuelling xenophobic violence.
South Africa has seen recurring bouts of anti-migrant violence, with protests intensifying this year after vigilante groups ordered undocumented foreigners to leave by June 30. (Photo by EMMANUEL CROSET / AFP)
South Africa has processed more than 15,000 Malawian nationals to exit the country ahead of next week’s anti-immigration marches that many fear could turn violent, the justice minister said Friday, with thousands more awaiting clearance in makeshift encampments.
Citizen-led groups have issued an unofficial June 30 deadline for undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country and called nationwide marches, raising fears of renewed xenophobic violence.
“To date, a total of 15,162 Malawian nationals have been processed for deportation and repatriation, and more are still undergoing the verification process,” said Minister of Justice Mmamoloko Kubayi.
