South African authorities have detained more than 40,000 illegal immigrants since the start of 2026, the government said on Sunday, as President Cyril Ramaphosa pledged to strengthen border security amid growing public anger over illegal migration.
Speaking on South African state television, Ramaphosa said his government was working on reforms to tighten border controls, while stressing that many foreign nationals live and work in the country legally.
“They work, study, raise families, invest in our economy, and contribute positively to our society,” he said.
His remarks come as anti-immigration protests have spread across parts of South Africa in recent months, with several demonstrations turning violent. Weeks ago, more than 2,000 migrants left a refugee camp in the city of Durban amid rising tensions.
Many protesters argue that illegal immigration is worsening unemployment and taking jobs from South Africans. In several incidents, groups of locals armed with knives and sticks have marched through towns targeting migrants. Several people have been killed in the unrest, which has been unusually violent even by South African standards.
A number of grassroots anti-immigration groups have emerged, with one of the largest giving illegal immigrants until the end of June to leave the country.
The government also announced that around 25,000 illegal immigrants have been deported this year. Nigeria, Malawi, Ghana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique have organised voluntary repatriation flights to help their nationals return home.
The issue has become increasingly sensitive as South Africa continues to grapple with an unemployment rate of around 30%. Police have warned that they are preparing for further demonstrations and vowed to act against anyone involved in criminal activity.
“Those who use the protests to commit crimes will face the full force of the law,” Deputy Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said.
In Johannesburg, many shops remained closed ahead of expected protests, with the city centre largely deserted. The popular Oriental Plaza shopping centre was also closed.
