South Africa's Anti-Migrant Fury: Zambians Flee as Xenophobia Escalates and Foreigners Targeted!

Anti-illegal immigrant sentiment and xenophobic attacks are escalating across South Africa, leading to widespread concern and governmental responses. On Monday, June 22, 2026, a significant march took place in Umlazi, where protesters issued stern warnings to landlords and called for illegal foreign nationals to leave the country by June 30, 2026.

The peaceful demonstration, organized by groups like March and March, began at Umlazi D section park and concluded at Tehuis Park near Umlazi Mega City Mall. A central message conveyed during the march was a threat of arrest for South African landlords who permit foreign nationals to rent their properties for tuckshop businesses. A March and March member, holding a memorandum, explicitly stated that landlords renting to “illegal foreigners” for tuckshops would “face the might of the law.”

Among the participants was Gospel Group singer Malusi Mbokazi, an Umlazi community member who emphasized the importance of residents and artists uniting to voice concerns. Mbokazi encouraged fearful South Africans to join such peaceful demonstrations, highlighting that the recent march saw no violence or injuries. Anti-illegal immigrant activist Ngizwe Mchunu also spoke at Tehuis Park, criticizing South African politicians for claiming to have “everything under control,” asserting instead that “there is nothing under control; we are in charge of this country.” Mchunu defended the protesters’ actions, stating they possess “Ubuntu” and have been “slowly asking them to leave the country” for many years, noting that no government acknowledged the presence of over 100,000 illegal foreigners in Durban.

In response to the surge in xenophobic attacks, several African countries are undertaking efforts to repatriate their nationals. Zambia, for instance, has initiated a voluntary repatriation exercise, with authorities confirming that over 100 Zambians have registered their intention to return home. This follows an earlier report in May of the same year, where 47 Zambian nationals were successfully repatriated. Etambuyu Anamela Gundersen, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, confirmed these efforts, stating that teams from the Zambia High Commission were deployed to Durban and East London on June 20, 2026, to assist and coordinate the repatriation.

Gundersen further explained that the Zambian government, in collaboration with South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and other stakeholders, continues to facilitate the return of its citizens. The Zambia High Commission also encourages all Zambian nationals in South Africa to register on ZamSA Connect, an online platform designed to maintain an updated database for effective communication and timely consular assistance. Gundersen assured the public that no Zambian national had been reported injured in connection with the ongoing anti-immigration protests.

Meanwhile, the South African government is intensifying its security measures. The country’s police minister announced on Monday the deployment of extra security nationwide, confirming that the police service has “elevated its operational readiness across all provinces.” Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia stressed the right to peaceful protest but issued a stern warning against “criminality, intimidation, violence, the destruction of property and any attempt to undermine public safety.” Defence Minister Angie Motshekga added that the military would secure strategic sites like airports and remain ready to support the police if needed.

South Africa has been experiencing weeks of xenophobic attacks, resulting in at least two fatalities and prompting thousands of foreign nationals to flee. These attacks are fueled by complex socio-economic issues, including unemployment exceeding 30 percent and a history of anti-foreigner violence. Allegations that migrants contribute to crime and ‘steal’ jobs are frequently heard, exacerbated by political parties such as the Patriotic Alliance, ActionSA, and uMkhonto we Sizwe, which increasingly frame migrants as competitors for resources and services. Mpho Makhubela of the Consortium for Refugees and Migrants in South Africa (CoRMSA) noted the increasing rise of vigilante groups as a direct response to wider social frustrations within the country.