Anti-immigrant activist Phakel’Umthakati is calling for all undocumented migrants to leave South Africa by June 30, 2026 [1].
The ultimatum comes amid rising tensions in Durban, where the leader of the King Dinuzulu Park protest movement alleges that foreign nationals are responsible for a surge in drug-related crime [2].
Umthakati has centered his campaign on the belief that illegal migration is destroying local neighborhoods. "Immigrants are fuelling South Africa’s drug epidemic and destroying our communities – they must leave by 30 June," Umthakati said [1].
This sentiment is echoed by some local residents in Durban. One resident said the streets are full of drugs that they believe are brought in by illegal migrants, and that they are scared for their safety [3].
The pressure from these movements has coincided with a significant exodus of foreign nationals. Reports indicate that more than 5,000 people have already left the country in the weeks leading up to the deadline [4]. Other reports describe the scale as thousands of African immigrants departing [3].
Throughout June 2026, the region has seen thousands of participants join anti-immigrant protests [3]. These demonstrations have led to ongoing security deployments in the KwaZulu-Natal province to maintain order as the deadline approaches [4].
While Umthakati focuses on the drug epidemic, other observers suggest the anger is sparked by broader crime concerns [3]. Despite the lack of official government mandates for this specific date, the social pressure has created a volatile environment in Durban and beyond.
“"Immigrants are fuelling South Africa’s drug epidemic and destroying our communities – they must leave by 30 June."”
The deadline set by Phakel’Umthakati is not a legal government mandate, but the fact that thousands of people are leaving suggests that grassroots xenophobic pressure can create real-world displacement. By linking undocumented migration to the drug crisis, activists are leveraging public health fears to justify the expulsion of foreign nationals, increasing the risk of vigilante violence in urban centers like Durban.
