SOUTH AFRICA — President Cyril Ramaphosa deployed security forces and vowed to prevent destabilization ahead of planned anti-immigrant marches on June 30, 2024. Citizen-led groups established June 30 as a deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave and called for nationwide demonstrations against illegal immigration.

Xenophobic unrest has resulted in at least three fatalities, according to official sources. Mozambican authorities reported that five Mozambican nationals were killed in the recent unrest. The anti-migrant campaign has also led to voluntary repatriations of thousands of foreigners from Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, and Nigeria.

Ramaphosa addressed the upper house of parliament, stating that security forces are prepared to enforce measures against those who transgress. Police announced tightened security across South Africa for June 30. "We will not tolerate any attempts to destabilise the country by anyone, whether marching or otherwise," Ramaphosa said. He added, "Our security forces are ready and those who transgress the measures that we are putting in place will definitely meet the might of the law."

Government officials held meetings with the Zulu Royal House to help maintain calm. As thousands await transportation to their home countries, makeshift camps have appeared in Durban and Johannesburg.

South Africa's unemployment rate is approximately 32 percent. Ramaphosa and major labor unions have stated that migrants are being made scapegoats for the nation's problems. Previous riots in 2008 resulted in 62 deaths, and violence in 2019 led to at least 12 deaths, including 10 South African citizens.

Why It Matters

The South African government is taking steps to address potential unrest related to anti-immigrant sentiment and planned marches. This situation follows recent xenophobic violence that has caused deaths and prompted international repatriation efforts. The efforts by the government and security forces aim to prevent further destabilization and ensure public order on the scheduled day of the marches, against a backdrop of high unemployment and prior instances of xenophobic violence in the country.