Thousands of South Africans marched across major cities demanding the removal of undocumented foreign nationals, as weeks of anti-immigrant demonstrations culminated in nationwide protests amid heightened security.
Police mounted a heavy security presence in Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town and other cities following an unofficial deadline issued by citizen-led vigilante groups calling on undocumented migrants to leave the country.
Authorities reported isolated incidents of looting, stone-throwing and confrontations. Near Johannesburg, police escorted several foreign nationals to safety after they were confronted by a crowd carrying large sticks.
The protests come after at least four foreign nationals — two Mozambicans, one Ethiopian and one Malawian — were killed in recent anti-immigrant violence, according to police.
South Africa, Africa’s most industrialised economy, is grappling with unemployment exceeding 30%, rising crime and deteriorating public services. Protest organisers argue undocumented migrants are taking jobs and straining public resources, while analysts say migrants are being unfairly blamed for broader government failures.
“We want mass deportation,” anti-immigrant campaign leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma told supporters in Durban.
“For the next six months we want the government to get rid of the people who have not left.”
In Johannesburg, many businesses remained closed while public transport hubs were largely deserted as demonstrators carrying South African flags and placards marched through the city centre under police watch.
In Durban, protesters wearing traditional Zulu warrior attire, including shields and spears, joined the demonstrations.
One protester, Brightness Gumbi, said economic hardship had fuelled public frustration.
“I hope through these demonstrations our president will hear our cries and enforce stricter laws,” she said, alleging undocumented migrants were able to operate businesses more easily than locals.
In Cape Town, however, turnout was significantly smaller, with about 100 people joining the march while a separate counter-protest condemned xenophobia and Afrophobia.
Thousands Seek to Leave South Africa
The protests have triggered a growing exodus of migrants, with more than 25,000 people processed for voluntary departure in recent weeks, authorities said.
Governments including Nigeria, Malawi, Ghana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique have organised evacuation flights and buses for their citizens, marking the first time several African countries have simultaneously arranged large-scale repatriations from South Africa.
Hundreds of migrants gathered at collection points in Johannesburg, Cape Town and other cities awaiting transport home after reportedly losing jobs or accommodation.
“The people in South Africa, they don’t want us here. I’m scared,” said a 23-year-old Zimbabwean woman waiting for evacuation.
Another migrant, Adam John, 32, said neighbours advised him to leave before violence escalated.
“I felt that it is better to try and get home while I still can,” he said.
Ramaphosa Calls for Calm
Concerned about a repeat of previous deadly unrest, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced stronger measures to tackle illegal immigration while urging traditional leaders to help ease tensions.
Labour analyst Dale McKinley said the anti-immigrant campaign had become “politically weaponised” ahead of November’s local government elections.
South Africa has experienced repeated outbreaks of xenophobic violence over the past two decades, with previous riots claiming dozens of lives.
