South Africa: Protests over irregular migration push South Africa to fast-track border policy.

SHOTLIST: BENONI, SOUTH AFRICA (JUNE 5, 2026) 1. VARIOUS OF DEMONSTRATORS CARRYING SOUTH AFRICAN FLAGS, VARIOUS STICK-LIKE OBJECTS, TRADITIONAL BLADES, CHANTING SLOGANS, DANCING WHILE MARCHING AGAINST IMMIGRATION POLICIESBENONI, SOUTH AFRICA - JUNE 5: Demonstrators marched through Benoni, east of Johannesburg, on Friday, June 5, to demand stricter border controls and the accelerated deportation of irregular migrants. Similar demonstrations continue across South Africa amid intensifying community tensions over immigration, prompting local authorities to urge calm due to public safety concerns. Anti-immigrant groups accuse foreign nationals of taking jobs meant for citizens by accepting low wages, allegedly committing crimes and straining social services, including hospitals and schools. Human Rights Watch said in a report last week that South Africa’s deteriorating socioeconomic conditions, including unemployment and inequality, have contributed to growing anti-immigrant activism. The exact number of undocumented migrants living in South Africa remains disputed, though anti-immigration groups estimate there could be more than 3 million people in the country illegally. Waves of xenophobic violence have been recurring in South Africa since 2008, with the latest spike in anti-migrant protests coming amid preparations for November's local government elections. Last month, Ghana repatriated about 300 of its citizens from South Africa following increased anti-immigrant violence. The West African nation on Monday advised its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to South Africa until further notice due to the ongoing violence targeting African migrants.