By Desmond Nleya
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — Thousands of South Africans took to the streets on Tuesday in coordinated demonstrations across several major cities, calling for the removal of undocumented foreign nationals following weeks of growing anti-immigration campaigns.
The nationwide protests marked the culmination of a citizen-led movement that had set an unofficial June 30 deadline for undocumented migrants to leave the country. Police maintained a heavy presence throughout the demonstrations amid fears of unrest, with officers deployed in riot gear to monitor crowds and prevent violence.
In Johannesburg, South Africa’s economic hub, many businesses remained closed while public transport services operated at reduced levels. Demonstrators carrying South African flags and placards marched through the city centre as police escorted a small group of foreign nationals away from an angry crowd armed with sticks.
In Durban, hundreds of protesters dressed in traditional Zulu warrior attire, carrying shields, spears and whips, joined marches demanding tougher immigration enforcement. Meanwhile, in Cape Town, a smaller protest attracted around 100 participants and was met by a counter-demonstration opposing xenophobia and discrimination against African migrants.
Many demonstrators argued that undocumented migrants contribute to unemployment and place additional pressure on already strained public services. Protester Brightness Gumbi said local entrepreneurs struggle to compete while some foreign-owned businesses continue operating successfully. She urged the government to strengthen immigration enforcement and protect economic opportunities for South African citizens.
Leading the demonstrations in Durban, activist Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma called for the mass deportation of undocumented migrants, urging authorities to remove those who had remained in the country illegally over the coming months.
South Africa continues to face significant economic challenges, including unemployment exceeding 30 percent, rising crime and pressure on public services. Analysts, however, caution that blaming migrants for these problems oversimplifies deeper structural and governance issues.
The latest tensions have turned deadly. According to police, at least four foreign nationals—two from Mozambique, one from Ethiopia and one from Malawi—have lost their lives during recent incidents linked to anti-immigrant violence.
Several African governments, including Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, Ghana and Nigeria, have organized voluntary repatriation programmes to assist citizens wishing to return home. South African authorities said more than 25,000 people had already been processed for departure in recent weeks.
Hundreds of migrants have gathered at collection centres in Johannesburg, Cape Town and other cities while awaiting transport home. Many reported losing their jobs or being evicted by landlords amid fears of violence and possible penalties for employing or housing undocumented migrants.
A 23-year-old Zimbabwean woman waiting for transportation said she no longer felt safe remaining in South Africa, while Malawian national Adam John said he chose to leave after neighbours warned him of possible attacks.
Concerned about the possibility of widespread unrest similar to the deadly riots that shook the country five years ago, the South African government deployed additional security forces nationwide.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced stronger measures to combat illegal immigration while appealing to traditional leaders to help reduce tensions and discourage violence.
With local government elections scheduled for November, political analysts say immigration has become an increasingly prominent and divisive campaign issue. Labour analyst Dale McKinley argued that the debate over undocumented migration has become heavily politicised during the election period.
South Africa has experienced several deadly waves of xenophobic violence in the past. The most devastating outbreak occurred in 2008, when attacks targeting foreign nationals claimed 62 lives, underscoring the country’s ongoing struggle to balance border control, economic hardship and social cohesion.
