South Africa Anti-Migrant Group Sets September 30 Deadline for Undocumented Foreign Nationals
South Africa’s anti-migrant movement, March and March, has announced September 30, 2026, as a new deadline for undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country, escalating an already tense immigration debate.
The group made the announcement as Southern African Development Community (SADC) leaders gathered in South Africa for a summit, urging regional governments to prepare for what it described as a large-scale deportation of their citizens who are living in the country without valid documentation.
March and March spokesperson Sandile Dube said the movement planned to intensify its campaign following the nationwide demonstrations held on June 30, when thousands of protesters demanded tougher action against undocumented migration.
The protests were accompanied by isolated incidents of violence and looting, while thousands of foreign nationals sought repatriation or temporary shelter.
The movement has accused President Cyril Ramaphosa’s administration of failing to adequately address concerns surrounding undocumented migration, unemployment, crime and pressure on public services. It has vowed to sustain nationwide mobilisation and pressure authorities to enforce immigration laws more strictly.
The new deadline comes as regional tensions over migration continue to grow. Several African governments have already facilitated the return of their nationals from South Africa following the earlier protests, with Nigeria and other countries among those involved in repatriation efforts.
Ramaphosa, however, has repeatedly warned against discrimination and xenophobia. He has acknowledged concerns about illegal immigration while stressing that South Africa cannot pursue stronger regional cooperation while nationals of neighbouring countries face intimidation, discrimination or violence.
The latest threat has raised fresh concerns among migrant communities and neighbouring governments, particularly given South Africa’s history of deadly xenophobic attacks.
Analysts and rights groups have also warned against blaming foreign nationals for broader socioeconomic problems such as unemployment and inadequate public services.
The September 30 deadline could therefore become another major flashpoint in South Africa’s increasingly heated immigration debate, with attention now turning to how the government and regional leaders will respond to the movement’s latest demand.
