THE HALFAX HEIMDALL AUGUR

Thousands seek way out as South Africa braces for anti-immigrant ... WORLD Thousands seek way out as South Africa braces for anti-immigrant protests Anti-immigrant groups have set June 30 as a deadline for all undocumented migrants to leave. Rogan Ward and Siyabonga Sishi Reuters June 26, 2026, 2:16 p.m. ET Hear this story View Comments Durban, South Africa ― Thousands of Malawian migrants queued for processing at a makeshift camp in the South African city of Durban this week while hundreds of Zimbabweans slept on the pavement outside their consulate in Cape Town. All had the same goal: to leave South Africa before nationwide anti-immigrant protests on Tuesday, which many fear will descend into violence. "We are scared because you never know what people are planning to do to you. It's not right to wait and see what will happen," Ebrahim Moosa, 37, said. He was with his wife in a snaking line of people, some with babies on their backs, hoping to catch a bus to Malawi from Durban. South Africa has been gripped by a wave of xenophobic protests and sometimes deadly attacks in recent weeks, forcing many foreigners to flee or be chased from their homes. Anti-immigrant groups have set Ju…

Thousands return to Malawi to escape South Africa's xenophobic violence Thousands of people marched across South Africa on June 30 to demand the departure of undocumented foreign nationals. It's part of a weeks-long campaign that has sent thousands fleeing and claimed four lives. In Malawi, 15,000 people have returned home, fleeing xenophobic violence. Protesters are blaming migrants for unemployment and crime, a claim challenged by President Cyril Ramaphosa and human rights groups.

South Africa: thousands flee xenophobic attacks - Martin Plaut Date: 14/04/2015 Author: Martin Plaut 0 Comments The United Nations refugee agency – the UNHCR – says more than 2000 people have fled from their homes in South Africa following xenophobic attacks. The news comes as Malawi moves to repatriate hundreds of its citizens who currently fear for their lives. The UN says around 2,000 are currently sheltering in a stadium at Chatsworth. Others are being cared for in Durban. The spokesman for the government of Malawi said at least 400 would be brought home. The ruling party in Zimbabwe – ZANU PF has now asked whether it should send in troops to protect its citizens The Zulu’s racist king The spate of violence follows remarks by the Zulu King, Goodwill Zwelithini – when he called for Africans living in the country to leave South Africa. “We urge all foreigners to pack their bags and leave,” King Goodwill said. Since making the statement, the King has attempted to distance himself from the violence that followed. The UNHCR spokeswoman in South Africa, Tina Ghelly, told me her organisation is deluged with calls. “Its not just shop-keepers,” she said. “A doctor working for a state h…

Africa: More Than 2,000 Malawians Are Trying to Leave South Africa [Scrolla] Malawi's government announced a formal voluntary repatriation on 2 June after vigilante attacks on African migrants spread across Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape. Over 2,449 Malawians crossed back home through border posts before the repatriation was even announced, with the numbers rising sharply each week.

South Africa says 2,745 foreigners sent home in a week Facebook X LinkedIn Tumblr Pinterest Reddit WhatsApp Telegram Share via Email Print South Africa has repatriated 2,745 foreigners in the week after President Cyril Ramaphosa vowed tougher action against illegal immigration, the country’s home affairs minister said on Sunday. One of Africa’s largest economies, South Africa has long attracted migrant workers from across the continent, both legally and illegally. But saddled with an unemployment rate above 30 percent, it has experienced recurring spurts of anti-immigrant unrest, including fresh violence in recent weeks Mobs of South Africans carrying sticks, whips and shields have marched through parts of the country ordering foreigners with no residency papers to leave by June 30. Growing security fears after businesses were looted and foreigners targeted have prompted citizens of Nigeria, Malawi, Ghana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique to accept voluntary repatriation organised by their governments. “As of last night, the number we can report is 2,745 repatriations that have come in this period since the president spoke,” Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber told reporters. “It is a mov…

Home Affairs Says No Malawian Nationals at Sherwood Hall Are ... - Briefly The Department of Home Affairs provided more details about the criminal status of Malawian nationals at Sherwood Hall Thousands of Malawian nationals have been camped outside the site in Durban as they await repatriation South Africans took to social media to weigh in on the confirmation by Home Affairs, with many expressing doubt PAY ATTENTION: You can now search for all your favourite news and topics on Briefly News . Home Affairs confirmed that no Malawian nationals at Sherwood Hall are linked to any crime, but some South Africans are not convinced. Image: Rajesh Jantilal/ Peter Titmuss Source: Getty Images Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online. KWAZULU-NATAL – The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that none of the Malawian nationals processed for deportation at Sherwood Hall has been linked to criminal activities. Thousands of Malawians are camped outside the site in Durban , as they await repatriation back home.…

Foreign nationals leave SA amid growing tension ahead of planned 30 ... Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business. As South Africa approaches the planned 30 June 2026 nationwide march organised by March and March, growing numbers of foreign nationals are leaving the country or seeking protection amid fears that anti-immigrant sentiment could escalate into violence. The planned march comes after weeks of demonstrations, petitions and public mobilisation by the March and March, which is calling for stricter enforcement of immigration laws and stronger action against undocumented foreign nationals. The movement has organised marches in several provinces, launched a petition opposing any extension of the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) and is counting down to the 30 June action on its social media platforms. Marches gain momentum as 30 June approaches The planned march follows weeks of demonstrations organised by the March and March and affiliated groups in several provinces. Marches have taken place in KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Limpopo and the Eastern Cape, with participants calling for stricter immigration enforcement, stronger border controls and t…

Malawians repatriated from South Africa amid xenophobia concerns Malawi is among several African nations transporting their citizens out of the country following reports of violence against migrants.

'Leave or return in a coffin': The threat driving migrants out of South ... Africa Immigration Race & ethnicity See all topics Facebook Tweet Email Link Threads Link Copied! Follow For months, anti-migrant rhetoric had been building across South Africa. Then it reached Kaunga Nyirenda’s doorstep. In early June, two men gave the Malawian gardener, who lives in a Johannesburg suburb, a chilling ultimatum: leave now or face death. “They asked me: ‘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,’” he said of the ultimatum. Nyirenda’s experience reflects a broader surge in anti-immigrant sentiment. In recent weeks, protest groups and self-styled vigilantes, who insist their rallies are peaceful, have staged demonstrations that have appeared to spark violent attacks on both documented and undocumented foreign nationals who are being blamed for taking jobs from South Africans, committing crimes and straining public services. The South African government has rejected the so-called “deadline” made by the groups for foreigners to leave the country, as fears grow of…

1,500 Foreign Nationals Leave South Africa Via Beitbridge In 13 Hours By – South African border authorities on Thursday processed 1,129 Malawians and 467 Zimbabweans departing the country on government-arranged buses, as a wave of xenophobic violence and anti-immigrant sentiment continues to drive foreign nationals to return home. All the Malawian nationals were undocumented, while the immigration status of the Zimbabwean nationals was not disclosed. Michael Masiapato, Commissioner of South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA), said officials processed a total of 1,596 Malawian and Zimbabwean nationals during a 13-hour operation at the Beitbridge Border Post. “In the early hours of this morning, 17 buses arrived carrying a total of 1 129 Malawian nationals for repatriation,” he said. “This represents the largest number of Malawian nationals processed by the BMA in a single day as part of a co-ordinated repatriation exercise.” “The operation required the full mobilisation of BMA personnel, supported by officials from the Department of Home Affairs and SAPS Public Order Policing, to ensure that all travellers were processed in accordance with the applicable immigration …

South Africa: Musina Swamped As Malawians Stuck At Border With Wrong Papers [Scrolla] More than 150 buses are due at Beitbridge as the Durban repatriation site closes, with most of its 7,000 people already moved to Musina. Buses without proper travel certificates are being stopped at Beitbridge and sent to a truck stop, leaving passengers stranded for hours.

Chased like dogs as Ramaphosa unveils crackdown: Zimbabweans flee to ... News Facebook X Pinterest WhatsApp Linkedin ReddIt Email Copy URL PRETORIA – In a disturbing escalation of anti-migrant sentiment, hundreds of foreign nationals have been forced to abandon their homes in South Africa, seeking refuge in mountains and community halls as violent mobs target them. This harrowing exodus comes amidst a backdrop of rising xenophobia and a newly announced crackdown on illegal immigration by President Cyril Ramaphosa, a move that has been met with both apprehension and a desperate hope for order. The recent surge in violence has seen at least five Mozambican nationals killed, a grim statistic confirmed by their government, which has also reported approximately 300 citizens fleeing back across the border. Ghana and Nigeria have initiated emergency repatriation flights, underscoring the severity of the crisis. The situation has been described by some as being “chased away like dogs,” a stark reminder of the dehumanising experiences faced by those caught in the crossfire of anti-foreigner aggression. A Deadline and a Crackdown The current wave of unrest has been significantly fuelled by …

KZN races to clear Durban Drive-In camp as June 30 anti-immigrant ... Story audio is generated using AI The KwaZulu-Natal government is scrambling to clear thousands of undocumented Malawians from Durban’s Drive-In camp ahead of planned anti-immigrant marches expected to sweep across the province on Monday and Tuesday. While provincial authorities had hoped to shut down the temporary camp by Monday morning, buses were still ferrying people out of the site by midday as officials raced against the clock. WATCH | The situation at the old Durban drive as some foreign nationals prepare to leave the country ahead of the anti-illegal immigrant marches tomorrow. Visit our website for more regular updates. pic.twitter.com/znU5RdcfY4 — Times LIVE (@TimesLIVE) June 29, 2026 The urgency comes as thousands of South Africans are expected to take to the streets to demand the removal of undocumented foreigners, raising fears of heightened tensions and possible violence. More than 15,000 Malawians and about 200 Zambians have already been repatriated by their governments. However, Malawi’s slower pace in receiving its citizens forced the eThekwini municipality to step in and assist with relocating …

South Africa: Thousands Stranded As Migrants Wait for Buses Home [Scrolla] More than 2,000 undocumented Zimbabweans, including mothers and babies, are waiting for travel documents while sleeping at a Home Affairs repatriation centre in Cape Town. Hundreds of Malawian nationals have also been left stranded outside their country's consulate in Johannesburg as they wait for help to return home.

South Africa: Thousands of Immigrants Stuck in Musina With Little Food ... Chaos as displaced immigrants descend on town close to Beitbridge border Thousands of displaced immigrants, who weretransferred on Mondayfrom the Old Drive-in site in Durban to the Musina showgrounds in Limpopo for repatriation, have been left stranded for days. Most are Malawian. They are sleeping in the open with little food, water or shelter, while waiting for Home Affairs to process them. They were issued documents in Durban to present in Musina to obtain travel documents to return home. Follow us onWhatsApp|LinkedInfor the latest headlines Musina is 20km away from the Beitbridge border post. On Wednesday, we found dozens of people on the street outside the Home Affairs office. We saw a long, slow-moving queue of people outside the building. Some people had spent the night there, hoping to be first in the queue. A few kilometres away, a temporary repatriation centre has been set up to process people. Dozens of tents have been erected, and each person has been provided with a mat to sleep on. Immigrants we spoke to at the site said officials told them that the new processing centre would speed up …

South Africa says 2,745 foreigners sent home in a week - RFI South Africa says 2,745 foreigners sent home in a week Johannesburg (AFP) – South Africa has repatriated 2,745 foreigners in the week after President Cyril Ramaphosa vowed tougher action against illegal immigration, the country's home affairs minister said on Sunday. Issued on: 14/06/2026 - 18:00 Modified: 14/06/2026 - 19:18 2 min Reading time Malawi commissioned buses to bring its citizens home © RAJESH JANTILAL / AFP Advertising Read more One of Africa's largest economies, South Africa has long attracted migrant workers from across the continent, both legally and illegally. But saddled with an unemployment rate above 30 percent, it has experienced recurring spurts of anti-immigrant unrest, including fresh violence in recent weeks. Mobs of South Africans carrying sticks, whips and shields have marched through parts of the country ordering foreigners with no residency papers to leave by June 30. Growing security fears after businesses were looted and foreigners targeted have prompted citizens of Nigeria, Malawi, Ghana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique to accept voluntary repatriation organised by their governments. "As of …

Migrants clash with police at a deportation site in South Africa ... The Associated Press June 17, 2026, 2:14 PM JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Police fired rubber bullets and used stun grenades against migrants protesting Wednesday near a community hallin South Africawhere thousands are being processed for deportation by authorities. The clashes came astensions over immigrationsurge in Africa’s richest country following a series ofanti-migrant marchesand reports of attacks on some foreign nationals. The migrants who gathered near the hall in the eastern city of Durban are mainly Malawians who initially turned up there more than a week ago to be voluntarily repatriated to their home country on buses provided by their government, authorities said. The premier of KwaZulu-Natal Province, where Durban is, has said nearly 10,000 Malawians have been camping in a park near the hall waiting to go home. But delays in that process have led South African authorities to establish an immigration court at the hall and implement “formal deportation processes,” according to the Ministry of Home Affairs. Video broadcast by South African television stations showed groups of protesters throwing rocks, s…

Migrants clash with police at a deportation site in South Africa where ... JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Police fired rubber bullets and used stun grenades against migrants protesting Wednesday near a community hall in South Africa where thousands are being processed for deportation by authorities. The clashes came as tensions over immigration surge in Africa's richest country following a series of anti-migrant marches and reports of attacks on some foreign nationals. The migrants who gathered near the hall in the eastern city of Durban are mainly Malawians who initially turned up there more than a week ago to be voluntarily repatriated to their home country on buses provided by their government, authorities said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The premier of KwaZulu-Natal Province, where Durban is, has said nearly 10,000 Malawians have been camping in a park near the hall waiting to go home. But delays in that process have led South African authorities to establish an immigration court at the hall and implement “formal deportation processes,” according to the Ministry of Home Affairs. More News Norwalk High, P-TECH seniors graduate at Total Mortgage Arena The ceremony took p…

More than 2,000 Malawians are trying to leave South Africa and scammers are already hunting them - Scrolla.Africa More than 2,000 Malawians are trying to leave South Africa and scammers are already hunting them 3rd June 2026 Facebook X WhatsApp Copy URL Funda ngesiZulu By Anita Dangazele Malawi’s government announced a formal voluntary repatriation on 2 June after vigilante attacks on African migrants spread across Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape. Over 2,449 Malawians crossed back home through border posts before the repatriation was even announced, with the numbers rising sharply each week. More than 2,000 Malawians in South Africa have asked their government to help them get home. The attacks that drove them to that point have been happening for weeks. The Malawian government made the repatriation official on 2 June, after what it called vigilante demonstrations and attacks on African migrants across several South African provinces. The violence hit hardest in Gauteng, including Katlehong east of Johannesburg, in Durban’s central areas, and in parts of the Western Cape including Gansbaai. By the time Malawi announced the formal repatriation, thousands had already lef…

South Africa: 'Better to Be Safe Than Sorry' - 1,800 Zimbabweans Seek Repatriation [GroundUp] Immigrant families have been displaced in the Western Cape

Africa: More Than 2,000 Malawians Are Trying to Leave South Africa More than 2,000 Malawians in South Africa have asked their government to help them get home. The attacks that drove them to that point have been happening for weeks. The Malawian government made the repatriation official on 2 June, after what it called vigilante demonstrations and attacks on African migrants across several South African provinces. The violence hit hardest in Gauteng, including Katlehong east of Johannesburg, in Durban's central areas, and in parts of the Western Cape including Gansbaai. Follow us onWhatsApp|LinkedInfor the latest headlines By the time Malawi announced the formal repatriation, thousands had already left on their own. Border records show 2,449 Malawians crossed back home through the Mwanza and Dedza border posts in under three weeks, with immigration officials linking the surge directly to the attacks. Malawi's Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it has been in contact with diaspora groups through its High Commission in Pretoria and Consulate General in Johannesburg. President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the attacks, but fear among foreign nationals has continued to spread. The …

'We fear for our lives' - deadline for migrants to leave South Africa looms ByNomsa MasekoandMarco Oriunto 17 June 2026 South Africa has become a hostile place for undocumented migrants, as a deadline set by protesters for them to leave the country approaches. “I am very scared and traumatised,” Esnat Joseph, a 36-year-old Malawian woman, told the BBC as she tried to comfort her crying one-year-old triplets. She fled her home in an informal settlement in the port city of Durban, in KwaZulu-Natal province, seeking refuge in an open field where up to 7,000 foreigners – mainly Malawians – began gathering with their belongings two weeks ago. “The people came to my house and told me: ‘You must leave. We don’t want you people to stay here any longer, so you have to go to your country.’ There were 10 and they were carrying weapons,” she said, describing how the group of South African men were holding machetes and whips. “They cut my husband on his head and his neck. They were holding his neck like they wanted to kill him. Because of God he still survived, but he’s in the hospital.” Many others at the field, where aid groups have been giving out blankets and food, report such door-…

South Africa: Epping Refugee Centre Closes After Thousands Repatriated ... To see this as "voluntary repatriation" is to turn a blind eye to the fear and hurt, says church leader Sibanengi Zhou was one of thousands of people who had spent the week at the Refugee Reception Centre in Epping, Cape Town. Many had come from mostly rural parts of the province to seekrepatriation, fearing xenophobic violence. On Saturday morning, Zhou finally boarded a bus bound for the border. "I am feeling better now because we are going home," he said. Follow us onWhatsApp|LinkedInfor the latest headlines Zhou said he had been working on a farm inRobertson. "I want to work to support my family. It's very bad ... I think I will stay in my country. I'm not planning to come back," he said. Thousands of people have been sleeping rough in the cold, wet weather. Thousands of Zimbabweans were repatriated this past week, but hundreds more, also from Malawi, keep arriving at the Epping site. The provincial government has urged people not to go to the site but to rather contact their embassies or consulates directly. By 10am on Saturday, volunteers with Gift of the Givers were handing out food to long …

South Africa police clash with migrants at a deportation site in South Africa Malawian man talks to a police officer after clashes with police at a deportation site, in Durban, South Africa, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. (AP Photo) Displaced migrants queue at a deportation site, in Durban, South Africa, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. (AP Photo) JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Police fired rubber bullets and used stun grenades against migrants protesting Wednesday near a community hallin South Africawhere thousands are being processed for deportation by authorities. The clashes came astensions over immigrationsurge in Africa’s richest country following a series ofanti-migrant marchesand reports of attacks on some foreign nationals. The migrants who gathered near the hall in the eastern city of Durban are mainly Malawians who initially turned up there more than a week ago to be voluntarily repatriated to their home country on buses provided by their government, authorities said. The premier of KwaZulu-Natal Province, where Durban is, has said nearly 10,000 Malawians have been camping in a park near the hall waiting to go home. But delays in that process have led South African authorities to establ…

Thousands of immigrants stuck in Musina with little food, water or ... Thousands of immigrants stuck in Musina with little food, water or shelter Chaos as displaced immigrants descend on town close to Beitbridge border 2 July 2026 | By Thembi Siaga News | Limpopo Share Add GroundUp on Google Undocumented immigrants queue outside the Department of Home Affairs offices in Musina for repatriation processing. Photos: Thembi Siaga Hundreds of immigrants who have been transferred from Durban to Musina say they have been left sleeping in the open while waiting to be repatriated. Migrants complained of shortages of food, water, shelter and toilets, and said only a small number of people were being processed each day. Frustration over delays sparked a protest on Wednesday, and one immigrant said he was struck by a rubber bullet fired by police. Thousands of displaced immigrants, who were transferred on Monday from the Old Drive-in site in Durban to the Musina showgrounds in Limpopo for repatriation, have been left stranded for days. Most are Malawian. They are sleeping in the open with little food, water or shelter, while waiting for Home Affairs to process them. They were issued documents…

Thousands of Malawians flee homes in South Africa amid xenophobic threats Thousands of migrants shelter in Durban park after being driven from their homes ahead of a June 30 expulsion ultimatum.

Malawi: Malawi Responds to South Africa Xenophobia Crisis, 150 Citizens Successfully Repatriated [Nyasa Times] Malawi has begun bringing home its citizens displaced by a fresh wave of xenophobia-related tensions in South Africa, with 150 Malawians now on their way back after being evacuated from temporary camps in Western Cape Province.

Malawians flee homes after anti-migrant attacks in Durban More than 3,000 Malawians, including hundreds of children, crowded into an open field in South Africa's port city of Durban on Wednesday, fleeing what they described as escalating anti-immigrant threats and attacks. RAJESH JANTILAL / AFP For weeks, groups armed with sticks, whips and shields have marched through parts of the country demanding that foreigners with no papers leave by June 30. Families said they were forced from their homes in poor neighbourhoods around Durban, South Africa's third-largest city by population, or face violence. Many said repatriation is their only safe option. "They said we must go. We have no choice in the matter," 33-year-old Sayiba John, who fled Nazareth township with her husband and three children. Her daughter, a Grade 2 pupil, was forced to abandon her exams. "It's better our government take us away from here than to face the anger of the South Africans," she told AFP. More than 150 Malawians were bussed out of South Africa's Western Cape province over the weekend. Two Mozambicans were killed more than a week ago in the southern coastal town of Mossel Bay, police said, raising fears of a…

South Africa: Police Seen Assisting Limpopo Residents to Round Up and ... About 200 people were taken to the Louis Trichardt showgrounds on Sunday SAPS appears to be assisting residents in rounding up and evicting immigrants around Louis Trichardt. On Sunday, residents of Vleifontein and the nearby villages of Maila and Kanana identified 200 people and handed them to the police. By law, only law enforcement officers may ask people for immigration or citizenship documents. Keep up with the latest headlines onWhatsApp|LinkedIn "I was staying at a church with my three children when a group of people came, kicked open the door to our room and told us we had to leave," said Suzen Mashakada, from Zimbabwe. "We were then taken in a police van. We had to wait while they went from house to house collecting other immigrants, before bringing us to the [Louis Trichardt] showgrounds. We were hungry, and the only food we were given was apples." At the showgrounds they were processed by Home Affairs and then taken to Musina, a town 20km from the Beitbridge border. There they will be joining thousands of other immigrants who are awaiting repatriation. The campaign to round up immigrants w…

Over 2,449 Malawians flee South Africa as xenophobic attacks intensify At least 2,449 Malawians have returned home from South Africa within just 17 days at Mwanza Border and 11 days at Dedza Border as renewed xenophobic violence tightens fear and panic among foreign nationals living in the Rainbow Nation. President Cyril Ramaphosa Statistics gathered from the country’s two main entry points from South Africa show a sharp rise in the number of returnees, with immigration officials linking the surge directly to escalating anti-foreigner attacks. At Dedza Border, Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services spokesperson William Kalanje said the number of Malawians returning from South Africa has increased significantly since xenophobic attacks resurfaced. From May 1 to May 17 alone, Dedza received 1,672 Malawians returning from South Africa. The figures have been steadily rising throughout the year: January: 1,160 returnees February: 1,169 April: 1,178 May (first 17 days only): 1,672 Kalanje said the trend is abnormal and worrying. “Normally, Malawians return home in large numbers during December holidays, but this year we have seen an increase in returnees following the resurg…

Govt helps transport victims of SA xenophobia attacks Source:Govt helps transport victims of SA xenophobia attacks– herald Thupeyo Muleya-Beitbridge Bureau The Government has moved in to assist Zimbabweans affected by xenophobia-motivated attacks in South Africa, with the first batch of 74 returnees arriving in the country via Beitbridge Border Post on Sunday morning. The group was repatriated through the Zimbabwe Embassy in Pretoria after spending nearly two weeks under police care at the municipality hall in Mossel Bay, Western Cape province. They arrived aboard a single bus comprising 49 adults and 25 accompanied children. The returnees are destined for Chegutu, Chipinge, Chiredzi, Sanyati, Masvingo and other towns across the country. The group was received at the border by officials from the Department of Social Development, Immigration, and other agencies. Authorities said returnees will undergo counselling and receive psychosocial support, food, and transport assistance before being transported to their respective homes. “The process ensures everyone arriving is assessed and provided with social support to help them reintegrate with their families and communities,” a…

WATCH: Chaos erupts at Sherwood as Malawians clash with police over ... Feature WATCH: Chaos erupts at Sherwood as Malawians clash with police over deportation delays By Inside Metros June 17, 2026 0 0 Share Facebook X Pinterest WhatsApp -Advertisement- Must read Polokwane court fines rhino horn trafficking ‘mastermind’ R2m in decade-long case June 17, 2026 Joburg offers 10% rates rebate for upfront payments June 17, 2026 Virtual court set up in Sherwood for Malawian repatriation drive June 17, 2026 Emfuleni says PA councillor’s appointment was ‘mistake’ June 17, 2026 By Charmaine Ndlela Chaos erupted at Durban’s Sherwood Park on Wednesday after hundreds of Malawian nationals clashed with police during a protest over delays in their repatriation from South Africa. Police fired stun grenades, tear gas and rubber bullets after tensions escalated when officials from the Department of Home Affairs attempted to move migrants into Sherwood Hall for document verification and processing. The group, which has been camping at the site for weeks, is demanding direct transportation back to Malawi and has rejected plans to first transfer them to the Lindela Repatriation Centre. Police used stu…

Teargas and tensions spike as stranded Malawians clash with ... - News24 5h ago A standoff between police and Malawian nationals in Sherwood Park, Durban, escalated on Wednesday when police officers fired stun grenades, teargas, and rubber bullets. The situation escalated when police barricaded access roads near the Sherwood Community Hall, where thousands of foreign nationals had gathered to wait for transport back to Malawi. Parts of the crowd became increasingly agitated and advanced aggressively towards the police line. Officers attempted to restore calm, but the crowd continued to surge forward. The device detonated on the ground near the front line of the protest, triggering panic and causing people to scatter in different directions. Rubber bullets were also fired. Some members of the crowd began hurling stones, bricks, and pieces of wood at police officers and vehicles positioned along the road. Several vehicles, including police patrol cars, Department of Home Affairs vehicles and other state vehicles, were damaged. Despite the police’s repeated efforts to restore order, the situation persisted for some time. But by midday, calm was eventually restored. A police…

Anti‑migrant violence: Another country pulls its people out of SA Home»News»South Africa ByFaizel Patel Senior Journalist 3 minute read 3 June 2026 11:50 am A protester dressed in traditional attire gestures during a protest march against undocumented migrants in Durban on May 6, 2026. (Photo by RAJESH JANTILAL / AFP) Malawi has announced the start of a voluntary repatriation programme for its nationals in South Africa following reports of violent attacks on African migrants in parts of the country. The repatriation comes after thefirst group of Ghanaian nationals left South Africalast week, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Tuesday the initiative will apply only to citizens who have formally requested assistance, with logistical details to be released once arrangements are finalised. “The ministry has been following with keen interest reports of vigilante demonstrations and attacks on African migrants,” it said, adding that the High Commission in Pretoria and Consulate-General in Johannesburg are in close contact with Malawian diaspora leaders to assess the situation and provide support.” It said that since the onset of the unrest, the ministry has engaged South …

South Africa: Govt Launches Fundraiser to Bring 10,000 Citizens in South Africa Home [Nyasa Times] The Government of Malawi has unveiled an ambitious nationwide fundraising campaign to bankroll what is shaping up to be one of the country's largest humanitarian rescue operations--bringing home an estimated 10,000 Malawians stranded in South Africa following weeks of vigilante attacks targeting foreign nationals.

South Africa police fire tear gas, rubber bullets at protesting ... Home Latest Latest National South Africa police fire tear gas, rubber bullets at protesting Malawians in Durban By Malawi Voice June 17, 2026 Facebook X Pinterest WhatsApp South African Public Order Police have fired tear gas, stun grenades and rubber bullets to disperse Malawian nationals protesting at the Sherwood Hall transit site in Durban on Wednesday. The group, made up largely of men, had been camped at the facility and was resisting relocation to the Lindela Repatriation Centre or other designated holding areas. Tensions escalated when some of the Malawians refused to board transport vehicles, insisting they should be sent directly back to Malawi instead of being moved within South Africa. Authorities said the situation became volatile after the group began chanting and throwing stones, bottles and tree branches at police. Officers responded with crowd-control measures including tear gas, stun grenades and rubber bullets to restore order. “We have been told to go to Malawi, why are they not taking us to Malawi now,” one protester said, accusing authorities of mishandling the repatriation process and separa…

South Africa: Zimbabwe Repatriates 660 From South Africa As Xenophobia Tensions Escalate [New Zimbabwe] Discover moreAfrica News CoverageZimbabwe News SubscriptionHealth News AlertsZIMBABWE has begun repatriating its nationals from South Africa amid growing fears of possible xenophobic attacks ahead of a June 30 deadline set by an anti-immigration pressure group, with 660 citizens having returned home so far.

Fear grows in South Africa as anti-migrant 'deadline' looms People intending to protest against migrants should do so without “intimidation, threats or ultimatums”, President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned on the eve of an unofficial deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave South Africa. Several thousand citizens of other African countries have already left the country in recent weeks fearing violence. One undocumented Malawian told the BBC he was “happy to be going back” but “heartbroken” to be leaving behind four young children. As protests have ramped up in recent months, Ramaphosa has repeatedly warned demonstrators to act peacefully and responsibly, while also accepting the need for immigration reforms. “Some foreign nationals who live in South Africa are here lawfully,” he reminded citizens in his weekly newsletter. “They work, study, raise families, invest in our economy and contribute positively to our society. They too, are entitled to the protection of our laws and our Constitution. “The right to protest and freedom of expression does not allow people to threaten or intimidate others, or to engage in acts of vandalism or violence,” he wrote. There are more than t…

A rise in anger over immigration in South Africa has authorities on ... A Malawian migrant stands in a queue ahead deportation at a temporary centre in Durban, South Africa, Friday, June 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) A Malawian migrant jumps over a barricade as the police officer manage the queue for their deportation at a temporary centre, in Durban, South Africa, Thursday, June 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) Malawian migrants stand in a queue for their deportation at a temporary centre, in Durban, South Africa, Thursday, June 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) Nigerian nationals repatriated from South Africa, following concerns about unrest, reacts upon arrival at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Nigeria, Thursday, June 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba) Malawian migrants stand in a queue for their deportation at a temporary centre, in South Africa, Thursday, June 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — Thousands of African immigrants are leaving South Africa because ofa rise in anti-migration angerthat sparked attacks against foreigners. The attacks have coincided with aseries of protests and marchesin recent months b…

Over 8,000 Malawians Stranded in Musina| News365.co.za Share Facebook X LinkedIn Pocket Messenger Messenger WhatsApp Telegram Viber More than 8,000 Malawian nationals will spend the night at the Musina Showgrounds near the Beitbridge Border after a long and difficult day waiting for assistance from Home Affairs. The group arrived in Musina on Monday and spent the night sleeping on concrete outside the Home Affairs office. They were waiting for documents that would allow them to leave South Africa. They also needed final biometric verification from the Department of Home Affairs. However, by the time offices closed on Tuesday, thousands were still waiting. Authorities then moved them to the Musina Showgrounds, where they are expected to spend another night in difficult conditions. Long Queues Under the Musina Sun The Malawian nationals spent hours queueing in the heat. Many had travelled with children, bags and only a few belongings. Related Articles Heavy Law Enforcement Keeps Peace During Pietermaritzburg Anti-Immigration March 17 hours ago SASSA Confirms July 2026 Grant Payment Dates 17 hours ago Eastern Cape Police on High Alert Ahead of June 30 Protests 6 days ago Soshanguve F…

‘If I am to die, let it be here’: Malawians fleeing unrest in South Africa A mass return of Malawians from South Africa exposes the cost of migration, violence and broken livelihoods.

Police probe killing of Malawian national amid repatriation rush Police probe killing of Malawian national amid repatriation rush NEWS By IOL Reporter On Jun 23, 2026 Police in South Africa said Tuesday they were investigating the murder of a foreign national in Pietermaritzburg, where hundreds of Malawians flocked for repatriation due to fears of xenophobic attacks. South Africa, one of Africa’s largest economies, has been on edge following weeks of sometimes violent protests against undocumented migrants that have left at least two people dead in the southern town of Mossel Bay. A 29-year-old Malawian national was attacked and died after a protest in the southeastern town of Pietermaritzburg on Friday, a local councillor told AFP. “His family identified him, he is a Malawian national,” said councillor Suraya Reddy. Police, however, said they could not give the man’s nationality until “authorities from his own country” had been informed. The Malawian government said it was investigating reports that one of its nationals had been killed. Police said a mob attacked the man who escaped to an informal settlement but then “slipped into the river”. “He was found on the riverbend with a…

Over 600 Zimbabweans Gather at Mankweng Police Station, Plead for Help ... More than 600 Zimbabwean nationals have gathered outside the Mankweng Police Station in Limpopo, calling on authorities to assist them in returning to their home country as tensions rise ahead of planned anti-illegal immigration protests in South Africa. The group, which includes women, men, and children, has been camping outside the police station for several days after reportedly being forced out of rented accommodation in nearby areas such as Mankweng and Polokwane. Many say they no longer feel safe and are urgently seeking repatriation assistance. According to reports, the situation has left families sleeping in the open under difficult conditions. Some have been on the streets for nearly four days, with little access to food, clean water, sanitation, or shelter. Among them are infants as young as two months old, with mothers trying to care for babies while exposed to cold weather and limited resources. The growing gathering comes amid heightened fear among foreign nationals across South Africa, as communities prepare for a nationwide anti-illegal immigration protest scheduled for 30 June. Many Zimbabwe…

1 200 Malawians, 400 Zimbabweans leave SA - Zimbabwe Situation Source:1 200 Malawians, 400 Zimbabweans leave SA– herald Thupeyo Muleya-Beitbridge Bureau SOUTH African border authorities yesterday processed 1 129 Malawians and 467 Zimbabweans leaving that country in Government-hired buses as xenophobia-motivated violence targeting mostly Africans surged. So far, Zimbabwe has evacuated over 1 000 of its citizens by road since the beginning of this month, while other African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana and Malawi, are also rolling out massive voluntary repatriation programmes for their citizens. South Africa’s Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato, said they processed a total of 1 596 Malawian and Zimbabwean nationals during an intensive 13-hour operation at Beitbridge Port of Entry. “In the early hours of this morning, 17 buses arrived carrying a total of 1 129 Malawian nationals for repatriation. This represents the largest number of Malawian nationals processed by the BMA in a single day as part of a co-ordinated repatriation exercise,” he said. “The operation required the full mobilisation of BMA personnel, supported by official…

Africa: Zimbabwe Says Over 78,000 Nationals Have Returned From South Africa Amid Xenophobia Fears [New Zimbabwe] The government says 78,112 Zimbabwean nationals have returned from South Africa since May amid fears of xenophobic attacks following threats by anti-migrant pressure groups.

'Leave or return in a coffin': The threat driving migrants out of South ... Africa Immigration Race & ethnicity See all topics Facebook Tweet Email Link Threads Link Copied! Follow For months, anti-migrant rhetoric had been building across South Africa. Then it reached Kaunga Nyirenda’s doorstep. In early June, two men gave the Malawian gardener, who lives in a Johannesburg suburb, a chilling ultimatum: leave now or face death. “They asked me: ‘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,’” he said of the ultimatum. Nyirenda’s experience reflects a broader surge in anti-immigrant sentiment. In recent weeks, protest groups and self-styled vigilantes, who insist their rallies are peaceful, have staged demonstrations that have appeared to spark violent attacks on both documented and undocumented foreign nationals who are being blamed for taking jobs from South Africans, committing crimes and straining public services. The South African government has rejected the so-called “deadline” made by the groups for foreigners to leave the country, as fears grow of…

Police fire stun grenades, shots during clash with migrants in South Africa Police fire stun grenades, shots during clash with migrants in South Africa Several African countries, including Ghana, Mozambique, Nigeria, Malawi repatriated some of their nationals affected by violence By Hassan Isilow JOHANNESBURG (AA) - Police in South Africa fired stun grenades and rubber bullets Wednesday to disperse large crowds of Malawian migrants who were fighting with security personnel. Thousands of Malawian migrants who sought refuge at Sherwood Park in Durban were waiting to be processed for repatriation following anti-immigrant violence in South Africa, which turned violent after their colleagues were arrested. “Clashes broke out after we saw some of our colleagues being bundled into Home Affairs vans heading towards the court. When we opposed their arrests, police fired at us and retaliated,” a Malawian national told Anadolu without providing his identity. Footage on national television showed a large group of migrants hurling stones, sticks and logs at police. who responded by firing stun grenades and rubber bullets. A group of migrants armed with sticks was seen marching around the Sherw…

Africa: Zimbabwe Says Over 78,000 Nationals Have Returned From South Africa Amid Xenophobia Fears [New Zimbabwe] The government says 78,112 Zimbabwean nationals have returned from South Africa since May amid fears of xenophobic attacks following threats by anti-migrant pressure groups.

Authorities coordinate mass relocation of displaced immigrants to Musina Approximately 7,000 displaced immigrants have been transferred from a temporary repatriation site at the old Durban Drive-In to a processing facility in Musina, Limpopo. The eThekwini Municipality confirmed that transport operations, involving a fleet of 140 buses, were underway by Monday morning to facilitate the movement of individuals seeking repatriation. According to the eThekwini Municipality, 58 buses had departed for the northern border region by Monday morning, with a further 10 following shortly thereafter. The municipality, in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs and various non-profit organisations, is managing the relocation process, which the local authority has described as a commitment to ensuring safety and order. However, the operation has faced significant logistical hurdles regarding documentation and vehicle compliance. The Border Management Authority (BMA) reported that 17 buses were previously redirected to a truck stop in Musina after failing to provide the mandatory emergency travel certificates required for transit. Between 12 June and 24 June 2026, the BMA processed m…

Malawians repatriated from South Africa amid xenophobia concerns Malawi is among several African nations transporting their citizens out of the country following reports of violence against migrants.

Zimbabwe: Zim Repatriates Over 3 600 Citizens As Govt Responds to South Africa Crisis [263Chat] The government says more than 3 600 citizens displaced by anti-immigrant unrest in South Africa have returned home with authorities stepping up efforts to support those still stranded amid ongoing security checks and border processing delays.

South Africa: Zimbabweans and Malawians Wait Hours At Beitbridge Border ... Border Management Authority says Home Affairs and police checks must be completed before arriving at the border Many Zimbabweans and Malawians leaving South Africa before the 30 June "deadline" set by anti-immigration protesters find themselves stalled for hours at the Beitbridge border post. On 26 June we met Nyasha at the border post. He only gave his first name. He said their bus had arrived at 5am from Durban. The driver switched off the engine and disappeared. "No one is attending to us," said Nyasha. Follow us onWhatsApp|LinkedInfor the latest headlines "We have only seen Border Management Authority officials walking up and down ... but nobody is telling us what is happening." By 10am, seven buses were parked at the border - one heading to Zimbabwe and six to Malawi. Passengers waited on the pavement. BMA officials told people to return to the bus, but the passengers said it was too hot inside. Nyasha, who is from Zaka in Masvingo, said he has lived in Durban for the past two years, surviving on piecemeal work. He left because he feared for his life. For a week, he had kept indoors. He intend…

Xenophobia Victims in South Africa Flee Violence, Then Return - VOA Share Share No media source currently available VIDEO: Many Malawians fled South Africa early this year after xenophobic attacks on African immigrants. But many quickly found life was no better at home and have returned to South Africa – often illegally and without jobs. Lameck Masina and Anita Powell have more from Johannesburg. Many Malawians fled South Africa early this year after xenophobic attacks on African immigrants. But many quickly found life was no better at home and have returned to South Africa – often illegally and without jobs, and facing the tough task of having to start over. Vincent Phiri is among the tens of thousands of immigrants who fled South Africa amid a wave of xenophobic attacks earlier this year. He had seen TV reports in Malawi that seven of his countrymen were killed in the violence, but in April, at the height of tensions, Phiri decided to make a risky return to Johannesburg. Poverty at home in Malawi, he said, compelled his return to this notoriously dangerous city. “South Africa is like, I don’t know – you are moving on top of a crocodile," he said. "Any time it can turn an…

Malawians in South Africa urged to stay vigilant as xenophobic attacks ... Malawians in South Africa urged to stay vigilant as xenophobic attacks continue National May 03, 2026 06:37 AM William Nsanama Share Malawian citizens living in South Africa are being urged to remain vigilant and report to the country’s embassies as xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals continue. The call comes amid reports that some Malawians have been affected by the violence, which has now lasted several weeks. Groups behind the attacks claim foreigners are to blame for unemployment in South Africa and have announced nationwide protests to push their demands. Speaking to other media outlets, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Charles Nkhalamba said that Malawi’s embassy offices in Johannesburg and Pretoria have been receiving reports from affected Malawians. However, the exact number of those impacted is not yet known as the offices are still compiling information. “Malawi and South Africa have had a long-standing relationship, and through this relationship we discuss various issues including matters like these,” Nkhalamba said. He said they are using proper channels to engage with othe…