Thousands of anti-migrant protesters march in South Africa amid heavy police presence
Thousands of people marched across major South African cities demanding that all undocumented migrants leave the country. Police and private security were deployed amid fears of violence, and anti‑migrant groups set a deadline for foreigners to depart.
Many migrants have already fled due to intimidation. Authorities say about 25,000 people have been repatriated, mostly from other African nations. Some, like an undocumented Malawian father of four, said they were “heartbroken” but felt they had no choice.
Although most protests were peaceful, there were pockets of violence in Johannesburg and Durban. Police reported arrests for looting, assault, intimidation, and clashes where protesters retaliated after shots were fired. Some demonstrators even went door‑to‑door in neighbourhoods, demanding that residents prove their legal status.
Anti‑migrant groups like March and March and Operation Dudula say they will continue weekly protests to pressure the government to remove undocumented foreigners. President Cyril Ramaphosa urged calm, reminding citizens that many migrants are in the country legally and contribute positively to society.
South Africa hosts more than three million documented foreign nationals, with many more believed to be undocumented. As unemployment remains above 30%, anti‑migrant sentiment has grown. Several African countries — including Nigeria, Malawi, Mozambique, Ghana, and Zimbabwe — have begun evacuating their citizens.
Temporary camps in Durban are being dismantled as thousands of migrants prepare to return home. Many express sadness and frustration, but also a desire for unity, insisting that Africans should stand together despite the tensions.
