Anti-immigrant group gives ultimatum to undocumented migrants in South Africa

An anti-immigrant movement in South Africa has given undocumented migrants until 30 June to leave the country, sparking a wave of fear and an exodus of thousands of people, mainly from other African nations. The deadline, set by a group led by Pakkelin Takati, has brought tensions to a head in cities like Durban and Johannesburg, where protesters have taken to the streets demanding that foreigners go home.

Takati, who uses Zulu symbolism and traditional dress, has gained a large following by blaming immigrants for unemployment, crime, and strain on public services. He has called on South Africans to report undocumented foreigners to him. On the eve of the deadline, he met with the South African president, though details of that meeting were not disclosed.

In Durban, a huge makeshift camp has been set up near the beach for Malawians desperate to leave. More than 20,000 have already returned home, and thousands more are waiting in the camp, with new arrivals sleeping on the roadside. Many migrants have sold their belongings to pay for transport. One woman, Fanny, who has lived in South Africa for six years, said her neighbours told her: "You must go, you must go, don't stay here. If you stay here until 30, you will see. Don't regret it." She added: "They will kill us, serious."

Even legal migrants are leaving. Rajab, who has worked legally in South Africa for 15 years and has three children born there, said he was threatened directly: "They said, hey, my noise is smelling bloody. I want to kill you exactly." He decided to return to Malawi because "life is only one".

On the deadline day itself, thousands of protesters marched in Durban and Johannesburg. In Johannesburg, stones were thrown and cars set on fire. Police mounted one of the biggest law enforcement operations in recent South African history, with a heavy presence in key hotspots to prevent direct confrontations. Businesses were closed and many migrants stayed off work.

Protesters insist they are not xenophobic but are targeting only those in the country illegally. Sifiso, a protester who said he fought against apartheid, told reporters: "We're not fighting African immigrants. We're fighting for everyone who is in the country, illegally. That's our problem."

Takati took journalists to a park in Durban where homeless people are battling drug addiction. He blamed the problem on immigrants, especially Nigerians, whom he accused of selling drugs. Experts point out that South Africa's deep-rooted problems with drugs and violent crime are more linked to inequality and poor governance.

For migrants from Somalia, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, returning home is not an option. Many run small shops in townships. One Ethiopian shopkeeper, who has been in South Africa for 11 years, said he was scared. A local customer said: "On the 30th, it's better if he's not here. It's going to be trouble. Nobody's going to be asking whether or not do you have papers. They're just going to come in and root and do whatever and he might get hurt."

The anti-immigrant groups have said their campaign will intensify after the deadline. There is widespread fear of violence, and the situation remains tense as the country waits to see whether the warnings become reality.