Dozens of protesters opposed to illegal immigration marched through Kwa-Thema, a township outside Johannesburg, on Monday, a day after South African President Cyril Ramaphosa pledged tougher action against groups accused of fuelling xenophobic violence.
The demonstration comes amid renewed tensions in South Africa, where anti-migrant sentiment has intensified this year, with vigilante groups reportedly ordering undocumented foreigners to leave the country by June 30.
Chanting and singing as they moved through the township located about 40 kilometres southeast of Johannesburg, the protesters called on the government to take stronger action against illegal immigration. Some participants were seen carrying sticks, though the march remained largely peaceful, according to footage broadcast by the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).
In a national address on Sunday, President Ramaphosa acknowledged public concerns over illegal immigration but warned against lawlessness and vigilante action.
“We will and must not allow groups to use the legitimate concerns of South Africans to destabilise our country through inciting lawlessness and violence,” he said. “We will act against forces who are exploiting the concerns of our people about illegal immigration to further their own political, personal or criminal agendas.”
Organisers of the march welcomed the president’s comments but said they would continue their campaign, insisting the issue of illegal immigration must remain a national priority.
South Africa, one of Africa’s largest economies, hosts more than three million foreign nationals—just over five percent of its population. However, unemployment levels above 30 percent have fuelled growing tensions between locals and migrant workers.
The country has a history of xenophobic violence, including deadly outbreaks in 2008, 2015, 2016 and 2019. At least two Mozambican nationals have been killed in the latest wave of unrest.
Last month, hundreds of foreign nationals, including migrants from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Somalia, sought refuge in Durban after reports of threats and door-to-door eviction warnings.
The unrest has triggered evacuation efforts across several African countries. Ghana has organised repatriation flights, while Malawi and Mozambique have arranged bus evacuations. More than 600 Ghanaians were recently processed for departure, bringing the total number of those who have left South Africa to nearly 1,000.
Nigeria is also preparing to evacuate its citizens, with the first group expected to depart on Wednesday, as regional governments continue responding to the crisis.
