A fake deadline is spreading panic. A social media claim says foreign nationals must leave South Africa by June 30. There's no government policy or law behind it. But the damage is already done.
Human rights groups are now fighting back. The University of Cape Town's Refugee Rights Unit has condemned the narrative. It warned against violence and scapegoating. "While South Africa continues to face severe socio-economic challenges, including high unemployment, poverty, and systemic inequality, using migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers as scapegoats for these systemic failures is unjust and unacceptable," the Unit said.
The Presidency has also weighed in. In a statement titled 'Managing Migration Together,' it rejected vigilante behaviour and discrimination. It said what can't be accepted includes: unauthorised people demanding documents, blocking access to clinics and schools, violence against foreign nationals, racism, xenophobia, Afrophobia, and any other form of intolerance. It also warned against misinformation and employers exploiting undocumented workers.
Thuthukile Zuma added a powerful voice. "No African is illegal in Africa," she said. "If you believe that an African can be illegal in Africa then you're not a revolutionary. We must reject the notion of an illegal foreigner. Africans can be undocumented, but they can't be illegal."
Nolubabalo Mcinga, president of the Azania Movement, called for a structured approach. She said African nationals who contribute to the economy must be properly documented and protected. She drew a comparison to South Africa's Indian community, who came as indentured labourers in the 1860s and later became full citizens after 1994.
The tension has already turned deadly. The killing of 19-year-old Nhlamulo Sambo in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, has become part of a wave of unrest. Two Mozambican nationals were also killed in separate incidents in informal settlements. Mozambican authorities have confirmed their citizens were affected.
"The burden of enforcing immigration laws lies solely with the authorised branches of the state, not with vigilantism or mob rule."
— University of Cape Town's Refugee Rights Unit
The Refugee Rights Unit stressed that enforcement must stay with the state. It agreed with President Ramaphosa that only authorised branches should enforce immigration laws.
Mcinga questioned current migration approaches. "What's stopping us to the African nationals giving our people jobs the government can't give and pay rent to our unemployed people for their rooms and buildings?" she asked.
The fake deadline has no legal force. But it's fuelled fear and misinformation. Rights groups are urging South Africans to uphold constitutional protections and human dignity for all who live in the country.