immigrationlatest news & developments

US trumps Orania

More than 10,000 South Africans looking for greener pastures have arrived in the US under Trump‘s ‘refugee’ programme so far. White Arikaners make up a big slice of the exodus,…

On-demand delivery. Pexels/Markus Winkler; Rawpixel; Currency collage

Decoding retailers’ silence over on-demand drivers

While retailers are keen to tout the success of on-demand delivery services, they’re reticent on details of driver legality and employment precarity

Xenophobia regional. Wikimedia commons/WwJLaik; Rawpixel; Currency

The gorging gormless: the root cause of illegal immigration

The real failure isn’t at South Africa’s borders – it’s Pretoria’s silence at authoritarianism in neighbouring states

A private security company guards a supermarket against looting after a demonstration against illegal immigration on June 30 in Yeoville, Joburg. Per-Anders Pettersson/Getty Images

FDI stands for FOREIGN direct investment 

South Africa needs to be careful that it doesn’t repel badly needed foreign direct investment as a result of its crackdown on immigration

People protest against illegal immigration on May 20, 2026 in Durban, South Africa. Darren Stewart/Gallo Images via Getty Images

Real Politics: the poor are paying for immigration failures

South Africa’s failure to enforce immigration rules shifts the burden onto poor communities, fuelling resentment over jobs, housing, clinics and crime.

Week ahead

The week ahead: crunch time for Joburg’s Treasury grant

Mark your calendar: here is the political and economic news to watch out for this week

Shouting faces refugees. Rawpixel/Currency

Spare me your ‘lived experience’

Not only is this fact-free phrase an assault on language, it is being used as a terrible justification for violence

JOHANNESBURG – Marchers during the protest against illegal immigration during a march to Mary Fitzgerald Square on April 29, 2026 in Johannesburg, South Africa. March and March is demanding tighter immigration controls, including stricter visa regulations, a review of asylum policies and action against businesses employing undocumented foreign nationals. (Photo by Gallo Images/Luba Lesolle)

Real Politics: these Zulu regiments come with a warning

Zulu Amabutho are marching through the streets with the discipline and force that other anti-migrant groups aren’t showing.

Rawpixel / Currency collage

Sars sharpens expat tax scrutiny: here’s what to do

Expats beware: coming home could be costly if your tax affairs aren’t in order. Sars is tracking your tax residency status much more closely