South Africa Sees Nationwide Anti-Migrant Protests as Violence Forces Thousands to Flee

Anti-immigrant protesters marched across several South African cities on Tuesday, marking a self-imposed deadline for undocumented migrants to leave the country, as fresh violence and looting heightened fears among foreign communities.

Thousands of African migrants had already fled their homes ahead of the demonstrations, while many businesses remained closed and foreign workers stayed indoors following months of unrest that have drawn widespread international condemnation.

The latest wave of xenophobic violence has claimed at least four lives, displaced thousands of foreign nationals, and left numerous homes, shops and businesses vandalised.

Speaking during a march in the port city of Durban, Jacinta Ngobese, leader of the March and March movement, vowed that the protests would continue until their demands were met.

“For the next six months, we are asking for our national resources to be used to remove illegal immigrants from this country. From building to building—they must go,” Ngobese said.

Among the protesters was 31-year-old Silindile Xaba, who blamed undocumented migrants for worsening unemployment.

“People are not working because jobs are being taken by illegal foreigners. It’s not fair,” Xaba said.

Critics have accused some politicians of exploiting anti-immigrant sentiment to gain support ahead of South Africa’s local government elections, expected by November.

Violence Erupts in Several Areas

Although many demonstrations remained peaceful, isolated outbreaks of violence were reported in several communities.

In Thembisa, north of Johannesburg, protesters threw stones at police and individuals suspected to be migrants, while sporadic gunfire was heard near the central business district.

Local media also reported that police deployed tactical units and fired warning shots in Benoni after confrontations with hundreds of protesters.

In Soweto, foreign-owned shacks were reportedly looted, while police used rubber bullets to disperse demonstrators in Pietermaritzburg near Durban.

Police confirmed the arrest of several suspected looters but did not immediately release further details.

Anti-migrant attacks have occurred periodically in South Africa since 2008, with victims often targeted regardless of whether they entered the country legally or illegally.

Ngobese insisted her movement could not be blamed for spontaneous acts of violence committed by individuals.

“Unfortunately, we can’t be in every community telling people how to behave,” she told Reuters in an earlier interview.

Foreign Nationals Displaced

Witnesses said landlords in Durban and Johannesburg had begun evicting foreign tenants out of fear that their properties could be attacked.

Around 100 Congolese migrants were reportedly forced to sleep on the streets of Durban after being chased from their homes.

Thousands of police officers were deployed nationwide, while the military remained on standby to support security operations if necessary.

The unrest has further damaged South Africa’s international image as a champion of human rights in the post-apartheid era and has strained diplomatic relations with several African countries.

Economic Frustration Fuels Tensions

Many unemployed South Africans accuse migrants of taking jobs, increasing crime and placing pressure on public services. However, social scientists say there is little evidence to support these claims.

Despite remaining Africa’s largest economy, South Africa continues to grapple with deep inequality and unemployment, with roughly one-third of its population out of work.

According to Statistics South Africa (StatsSA), the country is home to approximately three million immigrants—about four percent of the total population, a relatively modest share by global standards.

Government Condemns Violence

Deputy National Commissioner for Policing Tebello Mosikili said authorities had opened 103 criminal cases against anti-foreigner vigilante groups since March.

President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged that concerns over illegal immigration were genuine but warned that violence could not be justified.

“South Africans’ deep concerns about illegal immigration are real and deserve to be heard,” Ramaphosa said in a statement.

“However, the right to protest does not give anyone the authority to threaten, intimidate or commit acts of vandalism and violence.”

South African officials have also pointed out that immigration-related tensions are affecting many countries around the world, often driven by political rhetoric and misinformation.