Malema’s Warning on Foreigners Sparks Heated Debate as June Deadline Looms

By Echos News Editorial Team
Published: May 31, 2026

EFF leader Julius Malema’s words at a funeral in the Eastern Cape have become the centre of South Africa’s immigration debate. His call to resist anger directed at foreigners comes just weeks before the March and March Movement’s 30 June deadline for undocumented migrants to leave the country.

Funeral Speech Goes Viral

On 30 May, Malema addressed mourners at the funeral of EFF member Amahle Njambathwa. A clip of his speech quickly spread online, drawing sharp reactions nationwide. He told the crowd: “Someone has come to fool you and make you think there is a big problem for you to fight with your own neighbours.”

Malema argued that South Africa’s tribal groups have deep cross-border roots. He cited the Xhosa’s ties to Zimbabwe, the Zulu’s links beyond South Africa, and the Tsonga’s presence in Mozambique. His message was blunt: borders are not as rigid as political rhetoric suggests.

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Public Reaction Divided

Social media erupted with mixed responses. Some praised Malema’s stance as a reminder of shared heritage, while others accused him of ignoring the realities of undocumented migration. Comments ranged from “This man deserves to be a president” to “Malema, I won’t renew my membership anymore.”

The backlash reflects the wider national mood. Anti-immigration protests have grown louder, with organisers insisting that undocumented migrants must leave by 30 June. Police have already clashed with demonstrators in Johannesburg and Durban, raising fears of further unrest.

Escalating Protests

In Johannesburg, crowds gathered outside government offices demanding action. Protesters carried placards reading “South Africa First” and “30 June or Nothing.” Similar scenes unfolded in Durban, where marchers blocked roads and vowed to continue until their demands are met.

Community leaders warn that tensions are spilling into neighbourhoods. In Soweto, shopkeepers reported threats and vandalism. In Pretoria, migrant families said they were preparing to leave early to avoid confrontation. The atmosphere is tense, with police patrols increasing daily.

Government and Security Concerns

Authorities have warned against misinformation that could inflame tensions. KwaZulu-Natal police recently cautioned residents after false claims spread that foreigners had kidnapped schoolchildren. Officials stressed that spreading unverified information could amount to incitement of violence.

Government spokespeople have urged calm, but no clear plan has been announced to address the activists’ deadline. “No timeline was given,” one official admitted, leaving communities uncertain about what will happen after 30 June.

Economic and Social Impact

Business owners fear disruptions as protests intensify. Spaza shop operators, many of whom are foreign nationals, report threats and declining sales. Tourism operators warn that cancellations are rising, with international visitors unsettled by reports of xenophobic unrest.

Human rights groups have urged authorities to prevent violence. They caution that South Africa’s history of xenophobic attacks could repeat itself if tensions are not managed. Regional governments, including Lesotho and Mozambique, have expressed concern for their citizens living in South Africa.

Countdown to 30 June

With less than a month to go, the atmosphere remains tense. Activists from the March and March Movement continue mobilising, promising mass action if undocumented migrants remain after the deadline. Communities are split between those demanding stricter enforcement and those echoing Malema’s call for unity.

For now, the streets are restless. Crowds gather early at protests, police patrols are stepped up, and online debates rage daily. The deadline has become a flashpoint in South Africa’s struggle with identity, belonging, and economic hardship.

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Regional and Diplomatic Ripples

Neighbouring states are watching closely. Zimbabwean officials have expressed concern about the safety of their nationals. Mozambican authorities have asked Pretoria for assurances that migrants will not be targeted. Lesotho’s government has warned that mass expulsions could damage trade and labour relations.

Diplomats say the issue could strain regional cooperation. South Africa relies on migrant labour in mining, agriculture, and construction. Any sudden removal of workers could disrupt industries already under pressure from unemployment and inflation.

Community Voices

Ordinary residents are caught in the middle. In Alexandra township, a mother of three said she feared sending her children to school amid rumours of violence. In Cape Town, migrant workers said they were sleeping in shifts to guard their homes. These stories underline the human cost of political rhetoric.

Church leaders have called for dialogue, urging communities to resist hatred. Civil society groups are organising peace marches, though turnout has been small compared to the anti-immigration protests. Still, their presence signals that not all South Africans support the looming deadline.

Political Stakes

Malema’s intervention has placed the EFF at odds with rising nationalist sentiment. Analysts say his speech could either strengthen his image as a defender of pan-African unity or alienate voters who want tougher immigration controls. The ANC, meanwhile, has remained cautious, issuing statements about stability but avoiding direct confrontation with activists.

Opposition parties are split. Some echo the activists’ demands, while others warn that mass expulsions would damage South Africa’s reputation. The debate has become a test of political leadership, with June’s deadline acting as a ticking clock for all sides.

What Comes Next

As June approaches, the government faces mounting pressure to act decisively. Whether officials enforce the activists’ demands or seek compromise remains unclear. Malema’s speech has ensured that the debate is not only about foreigners but also about South Africa’s fractured politics and unresolved social crises.

The coming weeks will test the country’s ability to balance security, community cohesion, and human rights. For many, the question is not just who belongs in South Africa, but whether the nation can withstand another wave of division without tearing itself apart.

For now, the countdown continues. The 30 June deadline looms large, and the nation waits to see whether words will give way to action — or whether Malema’s warning against being “fooled” will resonate enough to calm the storm.

Source: Briefly via MSN | By: Nerissa Naidoo

© 2026 Echos News ZA. All rights reserved.

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