South Africa Prepares for June 30 Protests as Migrants Depart Major Cities

Thousands of foreign nationals have left Johannesburg and Durban in recent days ahead of planned protests scheduled for June 30. Multiple outlets report that anti-immigrant groups have called for a "shutdown" targeting undocumented migrants, with some demonstrations planned in several cities.

Uganda's government announced it will evacuate hundreds of its citizens from South Africa. The AllAfrica report states that Ugandan authorities are coordinating the repatriation of nationals who wish to leave. Malawi has also relocated some of its citizens, with the Citizen reporting that thousands of Malawians were moved from a Durban transit site to a repatriation center in Musina.

A transit camp in Durban is accommodating migrants who are gathering documents and arranging onward travel. Aid organizations are providing food and water at the site. The Associated Press notes that community leaders are coordinating bus departures from the camp.

South African police have increased patrols in areas with large migrant populations. The Citizen reports that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu issued a stern warning to officers ahead of the planned marches. The Democratic Alliance appealed for national unity in a statement regarding the June 30 calls.

President Cyril Ramaphosa warned against violent protests in remarks covered by BBC and RT Africa. The government has urged calm but has not issued a formal position specifically addressing the June 30 deadline itself.

The South African Communist Party rejected xenophobia and vigilantism in a statement. Business groups have pledged drone support to police ahead of the planned protests, according to Bloomberg.