The leader of a South African anti-migration group, Phakel Umthakathi, has said he plans to visit several African countries to encourage citizens to hold their governments accountable and work towards improving conditions in their respective nations rather than migrating in search of better opportunities.

Umthakathi made the remarks during a press conference on Thursday, where he addressed what he described as his “African brothers and sisters” amid ongoing anti-immigration protests in South Africa.

According to him, African citizens should remain committed to demanding good governance and development in their home countries instead of relocating to other African nations in search of greener pastures.

“I am going to visit you, my brothers and sisters, in your countries to revive the spirit of Africa. You must fight for your country. If they kill you, they must kill all of you. You can’t be scared of death,” he said.

Umthakathi has been one of the prominent figures associated with the recent anti-immigration campaign in South Africa, which has intensified pressure on undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country.

The protests have been driven by groups that accuse undocumented migrants of contributing to unemployment, crime and pressure on public services. Many South Africans participating in the demonstrations argue that foreigners are taking jobs that should be available to citizens, an allegation that has remained a subject of public and political debate.

The campaign has affected thousands of foreign nationals, including Nigerians, with many opting to return to their home countries over concerns for their safety.

In response to the situation, the Nigerian government has carried out multiple evacuation exercises to assist citizens willing to return home. More than 800 Nigerians have so far been evacuated from South Africa since the protests escalated.

The anti-immigration demonstrations have continued to attract international attention, with observers calling for peaceful dialogue and adherence to the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their nationality, while governments across the continent monitor the evolving situation.