South Africa experienced widespread demonstrations against illegal immigration on Tuesday, with thousands of protesters marching in major cities amid a significant security presence. The protests, coordinated by groups including March and March and Operation Dudula, followed an ultimatum issued by organizers setting June 30 as the deadline for undocumented migrants to leave the country.

Authorities deployed extensive security forces to manage the demonstrations, including about 13,000 South African Police Service officers, over 10,000 metro police officers, approximately 8,000 traffic wardens, and more than 217,000 private security personnel across Gauteng province alone. The military was placed on standby, and operational centers were activated across all nine provinces to respond to any attempts at looting, intimidation, or disruption of critical infrastructure.

Most gatherings proceeded peacefully under this heavy security presence, with law enforcement praising the responsible conduct of protesters. President Cyril Ramaphosa had urged South Africans to exercise their constitutional right to peacefully protest while warning against violence, vigilantism, and xenophobic behavior. Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi reaffirmed that immigration enforcement remains a government responsibility and condemned any form of violence or intimidation.

Despite the relative calm, isolated incidents were reported. In KwaZulu-Natal, police arrested at least 10 individuals connected with looting attempts in Durban and nearby areas. In Johannesburg’s Hillbrow neighborhood, two people sustained gunshot wounds during the protests. Authorities apprehended three suspects and seized two licensed firearms for investigation. These events underscored ongoing tensions amid the demonstrations.

The protests reflect deep-rooted concerns over illegal immigration amid South Africa’s persistent challenges of high unemployment and shortages in housing and essential services. Many South Africans blame undocumented migrants for job competition and strain on resources. Protesters, some clad in traditional Zulu warrior attire, voiced grievances accusing undocumented migrants of taking employment opportunities, with slogans emphasizing economic hardship linked to foreign arrivals.

Since the ultimatum was issued, tensions have escalated, resulting in at least five reported deaths linked to attacks on migrants, and the displacement of over 25,000 migrants who have either fled the country or returned voluntarily with assistance from their home governments, including Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Nigeria, Ghana, and Uganda. Numerous migrants have sought shelter in churches and makeshift camps near embassies to escape targeted violence, with reports of landlords evicting foreign tenants and employers dismissing migrant workers out of fear of official penalties or retribution from vigilante groups.

Although organizers of the protests claimed their focus was on undocumented migrants, many displaced individuals reported that xenophobic violence did not distinguish between those with legal status and those without. The government’s intensive security operation, costing approximately 600 million rand (NZ$64 million), helped prevent widespread unrest reminiscent of the deadly xenophobic violence in 2021.

By Tuesday evening, most demonstrations had dispersed peacefully, despite the challenges and isolated violent outbreaks. Officials and community leaders were commended for their roles in maintaining order and facilitating peaceful expression of public concern. The situation remains sensitive, with ongoing calls for balanced enforcement of immigration laws alongside efforts to prevent xenophobia and protect vulnerable migrant communities.