South Africa faces growing backlash over illegal immigration.

South Africa is experiencing increasing political and social tension over illegal immigration, with thousands of citizens protesting what they describe as the government’s failure to secure the country’s borders.

According to local activist groups, more than 160,000 undocumented migrants have left the country in recent months following public protests and increased pressure. However, those figures have not been independently verified.

Earlier, Reuters reported that around 900 people were arrested during nationwide demonstrations. While most protests remained peaceful, some turned violent, resulting in one reported death near Johannesburg.

The anti-immigration civic group March and March Movement claims that between 15 million and 30 million undocumented migrants may be living in South Africa. However, the country’s official statistics agency, Statistics South Africa, estimates that there are around 3 million immigrants, including documented residents.

The group’s leader, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, argues that illegal immigration has contributed to rising crime, unemployment, and growing pressure on public healthcare and education systems. These claims remain the subject of political debate and are not fully verified by independent sources.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged that some employers hire undocumented migrants because they can pay lower wages and avoid labor regulations. He has pledged to strengthen immigration enforcement and improve border security.

Government figures show that as of July 11, more than 53,449 foreign nationals had been processed for deportation or voluntary repatriation. Opposition politicians and civic groups, however, argue that much stronger action is needed.

Analysts say illegal immigration has become one of South Africa’s defining political issues ahead of future elections, reflecting broader debates over border security, employment, and public services seen in several Western countries.