By Mapaballo Borotho
- The March and March Movement has given undocumented foreign nationals until 30 June 2026 to vacate hijacked buildings in Durban, intensifying debate around illegal immigration in South Africa.
- Human rights groups have warned against the targeting of foreign nationals, while protesters argue that unemployment, crime, and poverty are being worsened by illegal migration.
- Rising tensions and inflammatory rhetoric have sparked fears of possible xenophobic violence if authorities fail to manage the situation carefully.
Illegal foreign nationals have been given until 30 June 2026 to vacate hijacked buildings in Durban and return to their home countries.
The order was reportedly issued by the March and March Movement, which has been protesting against illegal immigration in South Africa over the past few weeks.
The issue of illegal foreign nationals remains one of the most sensitive topics in South Africa and continues to spark intense debate across the country.
South Africa is currently facing major social challenges, including unemployment, illegal migration, and poverty, which continue to affect millions of people.
While some of these issues stem from government failures, foreign nationals are also caught in the middle of the crisis, as they access essential services such as healthcare under the South African Constitution, which protects everyone within the country.
Another concern raised is that some factories allegedly hire undocumented migrants instead of South Africans, often because they can be exploited through lower wages and poor working conditions. Critics argue that this contributes to unemployment among local citizens.
Crime is also frequently linked to foreign nationals in public discourse, although authorities have not provided evidence that undocumented migrants are responsible for most crimes committed in the country. These are among the concerns raised by the March and March Movement in calling for undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa.
The growing tensions have raised concerns about the possibility of xenophobic violence or unrest if the issue is not addressed carefully.
It is widely believed that unless the South African government addresses illegal migration through lawful and structured processes, tensions around the issue are likely to continue.
Some undocumented foreign nationals are reportedly unwilling to leave South Africa because they have already established lives and livelihoods in the country.
Reports also indicate that the Ghana government recently arranged a flight for citizens who felt unsafe in South Africa and wished to return home, but only one person reportedly arrived at the airport.
Videos circulating on social media also show foreign nationals protesting and calling on African leaders to intervene, claiming they feel unsafe and targeted.
Meanwhile, Nomathamsanqa Masiko-Mpaka, a researcher at Human Rights Watch, said concerns have been noted regarding the targeting of foreign nationals.
She added that while South Africans have the right to protest, that right must be exercised responsibly and within the law.
The South African government has not yet officially commented on the matter.
Some South Africans on social media have also compared the 30 June 2026 deadline to the Soweto Uprising of 16 June 1976, highlighting the growing emotional and political tensions surrounding the issue.
READ NEXT: Commission for Gender Equality Calls for end to Ngizwe Mchunu’s platforms after homophobic outbursts
The post Is war looming in South Africa? Fears of xenophobic violence rise as undocumented migrants face 30 June deadline appeared first on KAYA 959.
