• Thousands participated in anti-migrant protests across South Africa, demanding undocumented foreigners leave the country.
• President Cyril Ramaphosa urged peaceful demonstrations while emphasizing that only the government can enforce immigration laws.
• Recent weeks have seen a rise in xenophobic tensions, with several foreigners reportedly killed in anti-immigrant violence.
• Many fleeing migrants have sought assistance from their home countries to return, with repatriation efforts underway.
• The protests reflect growing frustration among locals regarding unemployment and competition for resources with immigrants.

In South Africa, *thousands of people have joined anti-migrant protests*, primarily organized by groups such as March and March. These gatherings took place in major cities, including Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town, with demonstrators demanding that all undocumented foreigners leave the country by June 30. This demand has escalated tensions, mirroring fears of severe xenophobic violence reminiscent of incidents from 2008, according to SCMP and Al Jazeera.

President Cyril Ramaphosa met with protest leaders and stressed that while citizens have the right to protest, it *should be carried out peacefully* without intimidation or violence. He reiterated that enforcing immigration laws is solely the government's responsibility, rejecting the protesters' threats against migrants as unfounded. Ramaphosa warned that unlawful actions may lead to vigilantism, stating, "taking the law into one’s own hands is vigilantism,” according to Los Angeles Times and SCMP.

Over the past few weeks, *South Africa has witnessed a rise in anti-immigrant violence*, leading to numerous attacks against migrants, including fatalities linked to mob actions. Reports indicate that at least four individuals, including one from Mozambique and another from Malawi, have been killed due to xenophobic sentiments. Consequently, thousands of migrants, fearing for their safety, have sought refuge at embassies or shelters, with some returning home in significant numbers, as shared by Los Angeles Times and Al Jazeera.

The protests reflect a *wider sentiment among some South Africans* who blame undocumented migrants for economic challenges, such as the high unemployment rate and crime. Activists asserting that migrants accept low wages have fueled frustrations, leading some protest leaders to demand more stringent policies from their government to prioritize South Africans, according to Los Angeles Times and SCMP.

As authorities prepare for the potential of violence during these protests, there has been an *increased police presence* in affected areas to avert unrest. The government has allocated resources toward maintaining order during this period of heightened tensions, signaling its commitment to preventing a repeat of past violent outbreaks related to immigration issues, as reported by Al Jazeera and Los Angeles Times.