Police Mobilized Amidst Anti-Illegal Immigration Protests in South Africa

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JOHANNESBURG — Demonstrations against illegal immigration erupted across South Africa this week, with thousands of protesters demanding stricter enforcement of immigration laws. The rallies, led by groups including March and March, Operation Dudula, and Progressive Forces, centered on allegations that undocumented migrants contribute to unemployment by accepting low wages, increase crime rates, and strain public resources.

Organizers set a deadline for illegal migrants to leave the country, though the government has clarified that only law enforcement can legally facilitate removals. President Cyril Ramaphosa met with protest leaders earlier this week to urge peaceful demonstrations, a call echoed by police who deployed hundreds of officers in Johannesburg, Durban, and other cities to prevent potential violence.

Past protests have escalated into attacks on foreign nationals and vandalism of businesses. In Johannesburg, foreign-owned shops were shuttered ahead of Tuesday’s demonstrations. Protesters in the city center carried traditional weapons, South African flags, and signs with slogans such as “SA withdraw from the UN refugee convention” and “80% of children born in Limpopo province are born to foreign nationals.”

Nkele Thebe, a protester in Johannesburg, declared, “Today is the last day. We’ll be dealing with our president and our nation. We don’t want outsiders to interfere.” Another participant, Bongani Cindi, defended the groups’ rhetoric, stating, “Our country has problems. Illegal immigrants commit crimes we can’t address. We need them to leave so we can restore order. We’re not fighting anyone.”

Protests spread to Durban, the North West, and Free State provinces. Authorities heightened security in the Eastern Cape, where prior demonstrations led to infrastructure damage and closures of foreign-owned businesses. Meanwhile, fears of retaliation have prompted thousands of Zimbabwean and Malawian migrants to queue at embassies and consulates for repatriation flights.

The Beitbridge border checkpoint saw heavy traffic as Zimbabwean migrants departed. Over 270 Nigerian migrants returned to Lagos this month amid rising tensions, while Malawians left from a Durban repatriation center. The crisis has intensified scrutiny of South Africa’s immigration policies and sparked debates about national identity.

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