Thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets in major South African cities, demanding the removal of undocumented migrants from the country amid heightened tensions and a significant deployment of police and private security personnel.
The coordinated protests follow a deadline issued by anti-migrant groups calling on undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa. Authorities increased security across key urban centers, including Johannesburg and Durban, amid concerns that demonstrations could escalate into violence.
While officials described most protests as peaceful, several incidents of unrest were reported. In Johannesburg’s Yeoville suburb, where many African migrants reside, some protesters allegedly threw bricks and damaged property. Police also arrested five individuals in Soweto for allegedly looting a foreign-owned business. Additional arrests were reported in KwaZulu-Natal province for looting, intimidation and assault-related offenses.
South Africa’s Ministry of Police said approximately 25,000 undocumented migrants have already been repatriated, with many returning to neighboring African countries to avoid violence and intimidation. Authorities also reported that around 50,000 undocumented migrants have been arrested since the beginning of the year.
President Cyril Ramaphosa met protest leaders ahead of the demonstrations in an effort to reduce tensions. While acknowledging concerns about immigration management, Ramaphosa stressed that foreign nationals who are legally in the country are entitled to constitutional protections and warned against violence, vandalism and intimidation.
South Africa is home to more than three million documented foreign nationals, although the number of undocumented migrants remains uncertain. The issue has become increasingly contentious amid persistent economic challenges, including an unemployment rate exceeding 30%, which many analysts say has fueled anti-immigrant sentiment.
Several countries have accelerated repatriation efforts in response to the protests. Nigeria has evacuated hundreds of its citizens, while Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe have also organized transportation for nationals wishing to return home. In Durban, transit camps housing migrants awaiting evacuation have begun closing as authorities process departures.
Many migrants expressed sadness over leaving South Africa, where they had built lives and supported families. Some reported experiencing hostility and discrimination, including being targeted with xenophobic slurs. Despite the tensions, several migrants appealed for unity and solidarity across the African continent.
The demonstrations have been authorized by authorities, but police remain on high alert. Security officials have restricted the carrying of certain weapons during the marches, although tensions remain over the traditional weapons often carried by some participants during public demonstrations.
Xenophobia has remained a recurring challenge in South Africa for years. Human rights groups have documented periodic outbreaks of anti-foreigner violence, including the deadly 2008 attacks that claimed more than 60 lives. Advocacy organizations continue to warn that economic hardship and political tensions could further inflame anti-migrant sentiment if not addressed through comprehensive policy reforms.
