AEA Update: Relative Calm Across South Africa Following Continental Day of Prayer and Fasting

Migrants line up to leave South Africa on Monday, June 30, 2026, as an unofficial deadline set by anti-immigration groups demanding their departure took effect. Nearly 25,000 foreign nationals left the country amid the crisis, while many others sought refuge in community centers, churches and makeshift camps. Screenshot / Sky News

Our continental call to prayer and fasting on June 28 was profoundly answered with relative calm across South Africa. Following a joint fact-finding mission in Johannesburg and KwaZulu-Natal from June 16 to 19 by the Association of Evangelicals in Africa (AEA), the Evangelical Alliance of South Africa (TEASA), and the Africa Church Transformation Forum (ACT Forum), we interceded urgently for peace ahead of the unofficial June 30 anti-immigration deadline. Thanks to a firm government stance and robust police deployment, major cities successfully avoided the widespread looting and destruction seen in past crises.

While we praise God that mass violence was largely averted, a serious humanitarian crisis continues to unfold. The impact of the unofficial ultimatum has forced nearly 25,000 foreign nationals to leave the country. Thousands more, including many individuals holding valid legal documentation such as refugee status, asylum-seeker permits, and permanent residency, remain displaced. In regions like Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, local churches have converted their facilities into emergency shelters to protect those who have fled their homes. Many families are currently surviving in makeshift camps and community centers under harsh winter conditions.

The gravity of this situation is underscored by data from Human Rights Watch and the Institute for Security Studies, which note that recent vigilante activities risk escalating toward the levels of historical anti-immigrant violence seen in 2008. In response to the targeted attacks, several African governments, including Malawi, Ghana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, have initiated emergency repatriation operations to return their citizens safely home.

In a unified effort to restore peace, both political and traditional leaders have spoken out against lawlessness. President Cyril Ramaphosa issued a televised address clarifying that the authority to enforce immigration laws belongs solely to the state, warning against political or criminal agendas. AmaZulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini also directly appealed for restraint, calling on communities to reject bloodshed and remember that shared suffering brought these vulnerable populations to South Africa. Furthermore, Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi urged citizens to let the government handle immigration through proper, legal channels.

As our network continues to address this complex continental issue, church leaders across South Africa remind us that our foundational identity as believers in Jesus precedes our national citizenship. Local congregations are actively leaning into scriptures like Micah 6:8 and Matthew 25:35, reminding the global body of Christ to act justly, love mercy, and recognize Christ in the stranger. AEA leadership, including Secretary General Dr. Master Matlhaope and Vice President Bishop Never Muparutsa, extends deep gratitude to the member alliances across 51 countries who joined in dedicated intercession. Please continue to stand in practical solidarity and intercede for government wisdom, rule of law, and the dignity of all displaced communities.

This information is synthesized from original reporting by Christian Daily International (CDI) published on July 3, 2026. The original article details the joint fact-finding mission and subsequent continental prayer initiative led by the Association of Evangelicals in Africa (AEA) Secretary General Dr. Master Matlhaope and Vice President Bishop Never Muparutsa, alongside the Evangelical Alliance of South Africa (TEASA) and the Africa Church Transformation Forum (ACT Forum). Read the article here: https://www.christiandaily.com/news/south-africa-prayer-answered-with-peaceful-protests-but-immigrants-still-stuck-in-make-shift-camps