Anti-immigrant movement gives ultimatum for undocumented migrants to leave South Africa
The Full Story
A plain summary built from the channels that reported this story.
A growing anti-immigrant movement in South Africa has set a deadline of 30 June for undocumented migrants to leave the country, sparking fear and a mass exodus. The movement, led by figures such as Pakkelin Takati, has gained a loyal following amid high unemployment and economic hardship. Supporters blame immigrants for job losses, crime, and strain on public services. As the deadline approaches, thousands of foreign nationals, mainly from other African countries, have been fleeing to makeshift camps or returning home. Governments including Ghana, Nigeria, and Mozambique have already repatriated some of their citizens. In Durban, a large camp has been set up for Malawians desperate to leave. More than 20,000 have already returned home, and thousands more are waiting. Many migrants report threats and intimidation. One Malawian woman said neighbours told her: "You must go, you must go, don't stay here. If you stay here until 30, you will see. Don't regret it." Another man who has lived in South Africa for 15 years and has three children born there said he was told: "I want to kill you exactly." He decided to leave because "life is only one". For migrants from Somalia, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, returning home is not an option. Many run small businesses in townships. A local South African woman said of an Ethiopian shopkeeper: "I think he should stay. We need him." But she added: "On the 30th, it's better if he's not here. It's going to be trouble." She admitted she could not protect him because attackers might come with guns. Takati, who carries a traditional fighting stick and uses Zulu symbolism, argues he is simply calling for enforcement of immigration laws. He took a reporter to a park where homeless people battle drug addiction, claiming the problem is caused by immigrants, especially Nigerians selling drugs. Experts say South Africa's deep-rooted problems with drugs and violent crime stem from inequality and poor governance. Police have maintained a heavy presence to prevent direct confrontations. The movement says its campaign will intensify after the deadline, raising fears of further violence.
On screen
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Key Claims
Claims reported during this story's coverage, mapped by channel. Ordered by how many channels carried each claim.
| Claim | Channel 4 |
|---|---|
| An anti-immigrant movement in South Africa set 30 June 2026 as a deadline for undocumented immigrants to leave the country. | |
| Pakkelin Takati claimed that drug problems in a Durban park are caused by immigrants, especially Nigerians. | |
| Thousands of migrants have left South Africa, with many waiting in a camp in Durban to return to their home countries. |
Channel Perspectives
What each channel focused on, with key quotes.
Channel 4 News provided an in-depth, on-the-ground report focusing on the human impact of the anti-immigrant movement. The report gave voice to both the migrants fleeing and the movement's leader, Pakkelin Takati, while also highlighting the complexity of African solidarity. The tone was neutral but sympathetic to the migrants' plight, and it included contextual analysis from experts.
- “Beyond Durban's scenic beaches on these South African streets, a storm is brewing.”
- “They said, hey, my noise is smelling bloody. I want to kill you exactly.”
- “This is more than a story about immigration. It's a story about African solidarity and whether that ideal can survive.”
Broadcast Timeline
News broadcasts tracked for this story, in time order.