United Methodists respond to South African migration crisis
The United Methodist Church is providing humanitarian aid to migrants in South Africa who have been displaced by recent anti-foreigner protests. Thousands of immigrants from neighboring countries have returned home due to the violence.
Why it matters
The report highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis and social instability caused by xenophobic tensions in South Africa.
By Alvin Makunike and Eveline Chikwanah Aug. 28 2026 | JOHANNESBURG (UM News)
United Methodists in southern Africa are providing humanitarian relief to undocumented migrants who have fled anti-immigration attacks in South Africa in recent months.
The United Methodist Church has donated and distributed food, clothing, toiletries and other essential supplies to migrants at repatriation centers following a wave of anti-foreigner protests that spread across South Africa.
More than 178,000 African immigrants have left the country in recent months , according to figures released by governments of migrants' home countries. That's a combination of people deported by South Africa and those who have taken repatriation offers by South Africa or their home countries, mainly Zimbabwe and Malawi, the Associated Press reports. Mozambique, Nigeria, Ghana and Lesotho also have reported citizens returning.
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