The demonstrations, which have spread to several cities, have heightened fears among migrant communities and prompted fresh warnings from the government…reports Africa Daily News Desk
Groups of anti-immigration protesters entered homes in Johannesburg and handed suspected undocumented migrants to police, in an escalation of demonstrations that have spread fear through migrant communities and increased diplomatic tensions with neighbouring countries.
In Alexandra township, protesters forced open doors and entered properties where they believed undocumented immigrants were living. They escorted those they found to waiting police vehicles, where they were taken away. Among those removed were a woman and a small child from Malawi.
One man detained by the protesters said he was in South Africa legally. “I am a ZEP holder,” said Zimbabwean national Total Mhlanga, referring to the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit, which allows tens of thousands of Zimbabwean nationals to live and work in South Africa.
Similar demonstrations took place in Soweto, where protesters marched carrying sticks and flags and said they intended to search for undocumented immigrants. Flyers promoting Thursday’s events described them as a “peaceful march” followed by “door to door”. Another protest was also held in the eastern coastal city of Durban.
South Africa has experienced growing anti-immigration sentiment in recent months as the country continues to face high unemployment. The latest demonstrations follow nationwide protests on June 30, an informal deadline set by campaign organisers for undocumented immigrants to leave the country.
The movement’s most prominent leader, former radio presenter Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, said on that day that demonstrations would continue every Thursday until their demands were met.
Her organisation, March and March, argues that undocumented immigrants are responsible for many of South Africa’s economic problems. The group is calling for tighter border controls, mass deportations and for schools and healthcare facilities to prioritise South African citizens.
“We are walking around doing door to door removing foreigners,” said community leader Bongani Msomi during the Alexandra march. President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged South Africans not to blame immigrants for the country’s long-standing economic and social challenges. His government has repeatedly stated that immigration enforcement is the responsibility of the authorities and not private citizens.
Police have increased arrests of undocumented migrants in response to the protests and have deployed additional officers at recent demonstrations to maintain public safety. A spokesperson for Johannesburg police was not immediately available for comment on the actions of either the protesters or the officers present during Thursday’s events.
The demonstrations have also had an impact beyond South Africa’s borders. Malawi’s government said on Thursday that more than 38,000 of its citizens had returned from South Africa in recent weeks as part of a large-scale repatriation effort prompted by safety concerns. More than 60,000 Zimbabwean nationals have also returned to their home country.
The latest protests highlight growing tensions over immigration in South Africa, where campaigners have continued to press for stricter enforcement against undocumented migrants. At the same time, the government’s repeated appeals against vigilante-style actions underscore concerns that the demonstrations could further inflame community tensions and place vulnerable migrant populations at greater risk.
