South Africa's Leader Issues Stark Warning to Anti-migrant Activists

WHO:

BBC News - South African President Cyril Ramaphosa issued a warning to anti-migrant protesters.

CNN - Kaunga Nyirenda, a Malawian gardener, experienced threats from anti-migrant groups.

CNN - Nkosikhona Ndabandaba, known as “Phakel’umthakathi,” is a leading figure in the anti-migrant movement.

CNN - The March & March movement and Operation Dudula are groups involved in anti-migrant activities.

WHAT:

BBC News - Thousands of people from other African countries have left South Africa ahead of a deadline set by anti-migrant groups.

CNN - Nyirenda was given an ultimatum to leave South Africa or face death, stating, “When are you going to leave the country? We want to fix our country. If you don’t leave now, you’re going to leave in a coffin because we don’t need anyone after 30th of June.”

CNN - South African police are investigating the murders of several foreign nationals, including two Mozambican men killed in late May and a Malawian man allegedly killed by a mob.

CNN - More than 13,000 foreign nationals have been voluntarily repatriated or deported in the last fortnight.

WHERE:

BBC News - South Africa is the primary location of the anti-migrant protests and violence.

CNN - The violence occurred in Mossel Bay, a coastal town in the Western Cape, and Pietermaritzburg, near Durban.

WHEN:

BBC News - The deadline set by anti-migrant groups is on a Tuesday.

CNN - The June 30 deadline is mentioned as a significant date for the anti-migrant groups.

WHY:

CNN - Anti-migrant sentiment has surged due to perceptions that foreign nationals are taking jobs from South Africans, committing crimes, and straining public services.

CNN - Ramaphosa stated that undocumented migration places pressure on public services and distorts the labor market.

HOW:

CNN - Anti-migrant groups have staged demonstrations and engaged in violent attacks against foreign nationals.

CNN - Operation Dudula has targeted foreign-owned businesses and checked identification documents of individuals in the streets.

(UPDATED June 29, 2026 21:27 UTC)

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has issued a warning to anti-migrant protesters as thousands of people from other African countries have begun to leave South Africa ahead of a June 30 deadline set by these groups. Malawian gardener Kaunga Nyirenda received threats from anti-migrant factions, including a chilling ultimatum stating he would face death if he did not leave the country. The violence has escalated, with reports of several foreign nationals murdered, prompting police investigations and leading to the voluntary repatriation or deportation of over 13,000 foreign nationals in just the last two weeks.