African migrants in South Africa are reporting widespread fear as a series of anti-immigration protests, led by the group March & March, has reignited xenophobic sentiment across the country. The campaign has issued a 30 June deadline for undocumented foreign nationals to leave, contributing to violent outbreaks that have resulted in multiple deaths and the displacement of residents in coastal and urban areas.
Did You Know? The South African foreign-born population grew from 2% in 1996 to 3.9% in 2022, reaching approximately 2.4 million people according to census data, while the proportion of citizens who said they would welcome all immigrants dropped from 25% in 2020 to 15% last year.
What triggered the recent wave of violence?
Protests led by March & March have occurred in cities including Durban, Johannesburg, and Pretoria since the group’s founding in March 2025. A notable demonstration took place on 30 March in KuGompo City, formerly known as East London, following reports—later proven false—that a Nigerian national had been crowned king. These events have been accompanied by calls for mass deportation from group leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, who claims the country is being “invaded.”
The movement has gained visibility as smaller political parties, such as ActionSA and the uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party, have attempted to associate themselves with the protests ahead of local elections in November. Meanwhile, violent incidents have been documented, including an outbreak in Mossel Bay that resulted in the deaths of two Mozambicans and one South African. Separately, the government of Mozambique reported that five of its citizens were killed in xenophobic attacks at the end of May.
Expert Insight: The intersection of economic instability and social tension
The current unrest highlights a volatile environment where chronic unemployment—which has risen to 43.1%—and economic inequality create a landscape ripe for scapegoating. As Sharon Ekambaram of Lawyers for Human Rights notes, it is often easier for the public to blame migrants than to hold the government accountable for systemic failures. The risk, as noted by political analyst Otlotleng Mokgatle, is that parties endorsing these anti-migrant marches may face significant reputational damage and contribute to internal instability, including the potential for widespread looting.
What happens next for those in the country?
The future remains uncertain for both undocumented and legal residents. While Ghana has arranged flights to repatriate several hundreds of its citizens, others remain in limbo. In the Western Cape, approximately 100 people from Mozambique and Malawi sought refuge in a town hall in Kleinmond last week following threats from local crowds.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the “lawlessness and violence” in a recent address, promising a crackdown on both illegal immigration and corruption within border authorities. However, for many long-term residents, the climate of fear persists regardless of their legal status. Entrepreneurs, such as an Ethiopian man who has lived in the country since 2000, report that legal documentation provides little protection against the mounting atmosphere of hostility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline set by the protest group?
March & March has demanded that all people living illegally in South Africa leave by 30 June, though they have not specified the consequences for those who remain.
How are the anti-migrant protests funded?
According to Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, the group receives funding from “concerned South Africans” and through financial and in-kind contributions from supporters via social media.
What is the government’s official stance?
President Cyril Ramaphosa has stated that while concerns about migration deserve to be addressed, the government will not allow groups to use these concerns to incite violence or destabilize the country.
Are the current economic conditions in South Africa the primary driver of these recent xenophobic tensions?
