South Africa hosts nationwide anti‑migrant protests amid violence

Thousands of South Africans took to the streets on Tuesday, marching across the country to demand that undocumented foreign nationals leave the nation. The demonstrations followed a week‑long campaign that has already driven thousands of migrants to flee and has resulted in four deaths. Police forces were deployed nationwide to manage the crowds, with security teams positioned at major protest sites to maintain order.

The protests were organized by citizen‑led groups that set an unofficial deadline of June 30 for foreigners without legal status to depart. According to Fredson Guilengue, Senior Regional Programme Manager at the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation Southern Africa, the movement reflects growing public frustration over perceived irregular migration and its impact on local communities. Gaffney of France 24 interviewed Guilengue to discuss the campaign’s objectives and the broader implications for South Africa’s immigration policy.

The nationwide marches underscore a heightened tension between migrant communities and the state. While authorities have pledged to address irregular migration, the protests signal that many citizens remain dissatisfied with current measures. The situation continues to evolve as the June 30 deadline approaches, with authorities and civil society groups monitoring the unfolding developments.