Tensions have risen sharply in South Africa following a renewed wave of anti-immigration protests linked to Operation Dudula, with migrants including schoolchildren increasingly caught in the unrest.
In Pretoria, protesters were seen in videos circulating on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, storming a government facility and demanding the deportation of foreign nationals. The incident signals a notable escalation in the group’s campaign.
Reports from witnesses and social media indicate the protests have spread into schools, where some members allegedly attempted to remove children of foreign nationals from classrooms and block their access to education, raising concerns over the safety and wellbeing of minors.
The development follows violence recorded on Monday, April 27, 2026, in which two Nigerians, Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, were killed in separate attacks tied to growing anti-foreigner sentiment.
The Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa said hostility against Nigerians and other African migrants is increasing, citing cases of intimidation, harassment and alleged police excesses.
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Its president, Frank Onyekwelu, called for urgent diplomatic action to prevent further deterioration.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has advised Nigerians in affected areas, including Durban, Cape Town and KwaZulu-Natal, to remain cautious amid reports of looting and violence, urging business owners to temporarily shut down.
Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Alexander Ajayi, said both governments are working to contain the situation and ensure the safety of residents, maintaining that Nigerians are not under coordinated attack.
Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa urged compliance with local laws and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to human rights.
The latest unrest highlights persistent tensions over immigration in South Africa, with growing concern over its impact on vulnerable communities and regional relations.