Mass Protests in South Africa Demand Migrants Leave the Country

Sun Sep 06 2026 21:33:21 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

In June 2026, South African cities erupted in marches urging undocumented migrants to leave, while police mobilised a heavy security presence.

South Africa’s biggest cities—Pretoria, Durban, Johannesburg—witnessed thousands marching to demand that all undocumented migrants exit by Tuesday. Police and private guards swept streets to stave off violence, as the army was deployed on a contingency basis near Durban and Johannesburg. Already 25,000 migrants, mostly from other African states, were repatriated, but large camps still hold many more. While most protests stayed peaceful, incidents included clashes over firearms, bricks thrown at homes, and arrests of protestors who used fire to destroy vehicles. The anti‑migrant movement March & March pledged weekly demonstrations for six months, and President Cyril Ramaphosa met leaders, urging calm while acknowledging immigration reform is needed.

Thousands march in South Africa demanding undocumented migrants leave the country

On June 29, 2026, residents of Pretoria, Durban, Johannesburg and other cities gathered in waves to stage protests demanding that all undocumented migrants leave by the Thursday deadline. Police and private security carved out a protective cordon as crowds streamed through main streets, fearing the march could turn violent.

The Ministry of Police reported the rallies were largely peaceful, but several suburbs – like Hillbrow and Yeoville – saw isolated clashes and property damage, including retaliation fire at a suspect’s vehicle and bricks broken against houses.

Around 25,000 foreigners, most from other African nations, have already been repatriated from the country, while thousands more sit in temporary camps awaiting evacuation. The protest movement March & March announced it would hold weekly demonstrations for six months, calling on the government to “get rid of” undocumented migrants.

President Cyril Ramaphosa met protest leaders the night before the marches, asking for calm and signalling a readiness for immigration reform. Despite his remarks, tensions remain high, and the government faces scrutiny over how to meet policy demands while protecting citizens’ safety and rights.

Key takeaways:

Mass protests across South Africa’s major cities.

Heavy police presence and army on standby near Durban and Johannesburg.

25,000+ migrants already repatriated; many still stranded in camps.

Incidents of violence and property damage in certain suburbs.

Government grapples with balancing immigration reform and public safety.

The situation highlights complex issues around migration, security and national identity in a country that needs unity to navigate high unemployment and an evolving economy.