South African authorities and civil society organisations are raising concerns over growing anti-immigrant tensions ahead of 30 June, after social media threats suggested possible mobilisation against foreign nationals in several parts of the country.

Durban has become a focal point of anxiety, with reports that some migrants have fled their homes, abandoned businesses and sought shelter at churches, humanitarian organisations and legal support centres after protests and violent incidents.Police say there is currently no confirmed organised threat, but law enforcement agencies are monitoring the situation closely.Acting police commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane confirmed that operational plans are in place to prevent violence and intimidation.The eThekwini Municipality and Metro Police also stated that officers are preparing for potential unrest.

Human rights groups and migration experts argue that frustration over unemployment, poor service delivery, inequality and corruption is increasingly being directed at vulnerable migrant communities rather than the underlying structural problems facing the country.

Lawyers for Human Rights reported that both documented and undocumented migrants have allegedly been assaulted, displaced and stripped of businesses and trading spaces.

Analysts warned that inflammatory political rhetoric and the careless use of terms such as “illegal foreigner” may worsen tensions and contribute to wrongful targeting based on language, appearance or nationality.

Political analyst Sandile Swana described anti-immigration sentiment as a distraction from South Africa’s broader economic crisis, while Professor Rozena Maart linked growing anger to failures in public services and leadership.

Political parties also weighed in, with EFF leader Julius Malema condemning what he called “Afrophobia” and GOOD Party secretary-general Brett Herron warning against a repeat of the deadly xenophobic violence seen in 2008.