Thousands of protesters convened in various regions of South Africa on Tuesday to express their opposition to illegal immigration, marking the largest migration-related demonstrations since the incidents of anti-migrant violence in 2008. Authorities reported that the protests were primarily peaceful, despite isolated accounts of looting and attempts at looting, leading to several arrests, although no specific numbers were disclosed.

The protests were triggered by demands from certain groups insisting on a deadline of June 30 for all undocumented migrants to exit the country. However, the South African government refuted this demand, stressing that immigration enforcement is the sole responsibility of the authorities.

President Cyril Ramaphosa engaged with some protest leaders on Monday evening, urging them to ensure that the protests remained peaceful. During a late-night press briefing on Tuesday, Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi commended the primarily calm nature of the protests but issued a warning against criminal behaviour. She stated, “Those who chose to exploit the marches to commit criminal acts will face the full might of the law.”

Key Groups and Claims

Several prominent organisations, such as March and March, Operation Dudula, and Progressive Forces, are spearheading the opposition against illegal immigration. Activists within these groups contend that undocumented migrants accept lower wages, thus taking jobs away from South Africans, and they attribute various societal issues, including crime, to the presence of these migrants.

Ngizwe Mchunu, a leader among the protesters, expressed concerns regarding the proliferation of illegal drugs in South Africa, linking it to illegal migration. He also highlighted his grievances about the numerous informal shops operated by immigrants from other African nations, asserting they should be owned by South Africans. Mchunu remarked, “It is time for our government to put South Africa first.”

In contrast, organisations like Amnesty International South Africa have voiced concerns over the scapegoating of migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers for existing socio-economic challenges. They emphasised that these issues are rooted in the historical context of apartheid and structural inequality, cautioning that misinformation and rising xenophobia could ignite further violence against migrants.

Local Responses and Reactions

In Johannesburg’s city centre, the demonstrations featured a diverse group of participants, including young men wielding traditional fighting sticks and women of various ages. Many waved South African flags and sang liberation songs, displaying slogans on posters that included demands for the country to withdraw from the UN refugee convention and comments highlighting the socio-economic context of children born to foreign nationals.

The protests were not limited to Johannesburg; similar gatherings occurred in Durban and various regions of North West and Free State provinces. Anticipating potential unrest, police deployed hundreds of officers in major cities. Past protests against illegal immigration have occasionally escalated to violence against migrant communities and attacks on businesses owned by foreigners.

The protests have prompted many migrants to seek ways to return to their home countries. Reports indicate that thousands, primarily from Zimbabwe and Malawi, visited their embassies for assistance with repatriation. Increased traffic was noted at the Beitbridge border checkpoint as buses departed with migrants. Additionally, certain groups of Nigerian migrants have successfully returned home amidst the escalating tensions related to immigration.

Reports from officials indicate that South Africa has repatriated over 4,286 individuals and deported an additional 419 in recent days. While the protests on Tuesday largely remained peaceful, the debates and migrations reflect ongoing tensions surrounding immigration issues in South Africa.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share