Chicago – August 09, 2026
More than 178,000 African immigrants have left South Africa in recent months as authorities intensify a crackdown on undocumented migration and anti-immigration protests fuel fears of violence.
Officials in Zimbabwe and Malawi say more than 115,000 Zimbabweans and 56,000 Malawians have returned home. Nigeria, Ghana, Mozambique and Lesotho have also reported significant numbers of citizens leaving South Africa. Most departures have been voluntary repatriations, while South African authorities say about 19,000 people have been officially deported since April.
Rights groups warn that some migrants have faced threats, attacks and property destruction. Humanitarian organizations are also concerned about children leaving schools and patients losing access to essential HIV medication.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned violence and promised tighter border controls and faster deportation procedures.
