Thousands Protest Against Migrants Amid Violence in South Africa

On Wednesday, thousands of people protested across several major South African cities, calling for the removal of illegal migrants. Violent assaults targeted foreigners from other African countries during the demonstrations, despite heightened security efforts.

Police reported that protesters stormed and looted numerous homes and businesses owned by migrants in the suburbs of Johannesburg. Additionally, authorities arrested 10 individuals in KwaZulu-Natal province on charges of looting and breaking and entering.

Security Measures and Anti-Migrant Campaign

The marches were organized to coincide with the June 30 deadline set by the "March and March" civil movement, which has increasingly adopted an extremist rhetoric. The group demands the departure of all illegal migrants.

South African authorities stated that over 25,000 foreign nationals have either left voluntarily or been deported in recent weeks. Fear of violence has led both undocumented migrants and legally residing foreigners to opt for voluntary return to their home countries.

Jasinta Ngubisi Zuma, leader of the "March and March" movement, announced plans to hold weekly protests in Durban over the coming months, according to media reports.

The movement calls for stricter enforcement of immigration laws, mass deportations, and more rigorous border inspections, alleging without evidence that illegal migrants contribute to crime and unemployment in South Africa.

Government Response and Historical Context

On Monday, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa met with three leaders of the anti-migrant movement in an effort to urge them to avoid any riots, according to presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya.

Magwenya explained that the president emphasized that "the right to protest is coupled with the responsibility to abide by the law and demonstrate peacefully." He added, "After hearing their demands, the president also confirmed that the government is addressing immigration issues and that it is the sole authority empowered to enforce immigration laws."

The protests have raised fears of a resurgence of violence against foreigners similar to the 2008 incidents in South Africa, when 62 people were killed and over 50,000 were forced to flee their homes following widespread attacks.

Five years ago, the country experienced riots resulting in 354 deaths in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal provinces, the largest contributors to the national economy. These disturbances were linked to protests related to the imprisonment of former President Jacob Zuma.