As the clock ticks closer to June 30, 2026, a sense of dread permeates the lives of foreign nationals residing in South Africa. Anti-immigrant groups have set this date as a deadline for undocumented individuals to leave the country, sparking a wave of fear and displacement. The situation has reached a critical juncture, with thousands of refugees and asylum seekers abandoning their homes and businesses in the face of escalating violence and intimidation.
The city of Durban, particularly KwaZulu-Natal province, has become a hotspot for these tensions. Outside the Department of Home Affairs’ Durban Refugee Reception Centre on Che Guevara Road, hundreds of African refugees and their children have taken refuge, seeking safety from the escalating xenophobic attacks. The scene is a stark reminder of the human cost of these violent campaigns.
Escalating Violence and Police Inaction
Over the past few weeks, anti-immigrant vigilante groups, notably March and March have intensified their campaign against foreign nationals. These groups have been accused of harassing, intimidating, and physically assaulting refugees and asylum seekers, as well as hijacking their businesses. The violence has been particularly targeted at those seeking access to healthcare, a fundamental right guaranteed by South Africa’s Constitution.
A Congolese migrant leader revealed that members of March and March have been blocking access to healthcare at Addington Hospital despite court rulings against such actions. The impunity with which these groups operate has left many foreign nationals feeling abandoned and vulnerable.
Perhaps even more alarming is the police inaction and, in some cases, complicity in these attacks. A 26-year-old asylum seeker and salon owner recounted how vigilantes looted her salon in Durban’s city centre, forcing her to abandon it. When she reported the incident to the police, she was met with mockery and dismissal. A police officer reportedly told her, “June 30 is around the corner, mabahambe” (they must go), referring to the fictitious deadline set by March and March.
This sentiment was echoed by many other refugees and asylum seekers who reported similar experiences of police refusal to investigate xenophobic attacks. The perception that police officers hold similar views to anti-immigrant groups has further eroded trust in law enforcement among foreign nationals.
The June 30 Deadline: A Source of Fear and Anxiety
As June 30 approaches, the fear and anxiety among foreign nationals continue to grow. Many recall the violent xenophobic attacks that occurred in June 2026 and fear a repeat of such events. Sentiments of “we live in fear,” “we are scared,” and “they will kill us” are common among the refugee community.
The South African government has announced measures to ensure law and order on June 30, when mass protests are planned. However, there are concerns about the effectiveness of these measures, particularly given the history of police inaction and complicity in xenophobic attacks. As singer and activist Thandiswa Mazwai aptly noted, “It’s easy and dangerous to inspire violence and hate.” The challenge lies in ensuring that the leadership and law enforcement agencies rise above these divisive sentiments and uphold the values of human dignity and the rule of law.
A Call to Humanity and Shared Values
In the face of these challenges, it is crucial to reject the false narratives that blame foreign nationals for South Africa’s socio-economic woes. Xenophobia is not activism or patriotism; it is a violation of human rights and a betrayal of our shared humanity. As June 30 approaches, let us lean into the values enshrined in South Africa’s Constitution—human dignity, equality, and the rule of law.
Let us centre our discourse on our shared humanity and the positive impact of the exchange of ideas and perspectives. Let us be conduits for conversations that ignite constructive and peaceful action in our various spheres of influence. In doing so, we can reject the easy path of violence and hate and instead embrace the harder, yet more rewarding, path of unity and understanding.
