South Africa Tensions Rise: Ghanaians Urged to Stay Indoors Ahead of Anti-Foreigner Protest in Mthatha
Protesters demand job priority for locals as Ghanaian community leaders urge caution despite police assurances of a peaceful demonstration.
- Ghanaians in Mthatha, South Africa, have been advised to stay indoors ahead of a planned anti-foreigner protest scheduled for April 23.
- The demonstration is expected to focus on claims that foreign nationals are taking job opportunities meant for local citizens.
- Ghanaian community leaders say they have been assured by police that the protest will be peaceful and closely monitored.
Ghanaians living in Mthatha, South Africa, have been advised to remain indoors as residents gear up for a protest on Thursday, April 23, over rising concerns about the growing presence of foreign nationals in the local job market.
The demonstration, scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., is expected to be led by local South Africans who claim that employment opportunities meant for citizens are increasingly being taken over by foreigners.
Chairman of the Ghanaian Community in Mthatha, Dr. Yirenyi Gyekye Darko, revealed that he has engaged with local police authorities, who have assured him that the protest will be peaceful and closely monitored.
“I spoke to one of the station commanders, and he confirmed that there will be a peaceful demonstration. The police are taking precautionary measures to ensure everything remains under control,” he said.
Despite the assurances, Dr. Darko has urged members of the Ghanaian community to prioritise their safety.
“We have advised our people to stay indoors and keep their shops closed until about midday, when the situation is expected to stabilise,” he noted.
According to him, the protest is driven by demands for the South African government to prioritise jobs for locals, amid claims that foreign nationals—including Ghanaians, Nigerians, and Zimbabweans—are taking over employment opportunities.
“The demonstrators want priority to be given to South Africans. Their main concern is that foreigners are taking their jobs,” he added.
