South Africa races to ease growing tensions ahead of planned anti-immigration marches

More than 15,000 Malawian nationals have already been processed to leave the country, with thousands more waiting in temporary camps as authorities work to repatriate foreign nationals before an unofficial June 30 deadline set by citizen-led groups.

The planned nationwide marches have sparked fears of renewed xenophobic violence, following weeks of unrest that have already left several people dead. Countries including Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo are helping their citizens return home voluntarily.

At the Beitbridge border crossing alone, over 8,200 foreign nationals were repatriated in less than two weeks, including nearly 6,700 Malawians.

South African officials have condemned vigilante-style actions, warning that civilians cannot enforce immigration laws. The tensions come just months before local government elections and revive memories of the deadly 2008 xenophobic attacks that claimed 62 lives.

With marches set for June 30, security forces remain on high alert as the country braces for what could be another volatile chapter.

Related articles

South Africa's President Ramaphosa warns anti-immigrant groups over June 30 'deadline'

From the same country

South Africa: Athlete traverses 600 monkey bars under a 216-metre bridge

South African ambassador calls for talks to ease tensions with US

Johannesburg men run in purple briefs to raise prostate cancer awareness

01:15 South Africa's President Ramaphosa warns anti-immigrant groups over June 30 'deadline'

01:00

South Africa: Athlete traverses 600 monkey bars under a 216-metre bridge

01:32

South African ambassador calls for talks to ease tensions with US

01:21

Johannesburg men run in purple briefs to raise prostate cancer awareness

01:15 South Africa's President Ramaphosa warns anti-immigrant groups over June 30 'deadline'

01:00

South Africa: Athlete traverses 600 monkey bars under a 216-metre bridge

01:32

South African ambassador calls for talks to ease tensions with US

01:21

Johannesburg men run in purple briefs to raise prostate cancer awareness

PICS OF THE DAY

01:00

Pix of the Day, 29th October, 2026 - Across the world

PICS OF THE DAY

01:00

Pix of the Day, 28th October, 2026 - Across the world

NEWS 00:52 South Africa claims 7.6 kilometre-long freight train is the longest ever

NEWS

01:40

South African author defends use of AI to write her books

PICS OF THE DAY

01:00

Pix of the Day, 22nd October, 2026 - Across the world

NEWS Go to video Foreign national beaten to death by mob in Durban, South Africa

Gabon

Gabon oil rig disaster: Three bodies found, two still missing

02:19 Russia Russia-Africa Summit: Putin seeks to expand ties with the continent

01:05 USA US imposes sanctions on Rwandan defence ministry over links to Congo rebels