Anti-immigrant groups, including the March and March movement, have set an unofficial June 30 deadline for undocumented migrants to leave South Africa. This deadline, which is not recognised by authorities, has fueled widespread fear, prompting thousands of foreign nationals and African expatriates to flee the country. In KwaZulu-Natal province, Congolese refugees have already been forced to leave their homes and livelihoods after anti-immigrant protests erupted in violence.
As the deadline arrived on Tuesday, fears that planned anti-immigrant marches would descend into violence led to significant disruptions across the nation. Shops were shuttered, workers stayed home, and buses sat idle. These demonstrations represented the culmination of weeks of protests that have already displaced thousands of people.
In response to the unrest, large numbers of security forces were deployed across South Africa. Police stated they were fully prepared for the planned demonstrations and warned that they would tolerate no intimidation or violence.