Anti‑Migrant Protests Sweep a Johannesburg Township
On Monday, hundreds of demonstrators marched through Kwa‑Thema, a township about 40 kilometres southeast of Johannesburg, calling for tighter immigration controls and the construction of a border wall. The protest came a day after President Cyril Ramaphosa warned that groups exploiting public anxiety over undocumented migrants would not be allowed to take the law into their own hands.
What the Protesters Demanded
Participants shouted slogans such as “Go Home” and demanded that the government “implement the laws and build a wall on the border.” Key activist Nkosikhona Phakel’umthakathi Ndabandaba told reporters that stopping the flow of foreigners was “easy” if the state enforced existing legislation. While the march remained peaceful, some marchers carried wooden sticks and displayed hand‑made signs.
Wider Pattern of Demonstrations
Similar gatherings of dozens of people were reported in the Western Cape and Limpopo provinces on the same day, indicating a coordinated push by several xenophobic‑leaning groups. Organisers said they felt encouraged by the president’s decision to place immigration on the national agenda but vowed to continue their campaign until stricter measures are enacted.
Government and Official Responses
President Ramaphosa addressed the nation on Sunday evening, acknowledging legitimate concerns about illegal immigration while condemning any form of vigilante justice.
“We will not and must not allow groups to exploit the legitimate concerns of South Africans to destabilise our country by inciting lawlessness and violence.”
He stressed that no individual or group may stop strangers on the street and demand proof of citizenship, and reiterated that xenophobia, racism, sexism, Afrophobia and any other intolerance have no place in South Africa’s constitutional democracy.
Police and Ministry Statements
The South African Police Service (SAPS) released a statement on 24 April condemning recent attacks on Ghanaian nationals and other foreigners, describing the acts as “unlawful and in direct contradiction to the values of dignity, equality and human rights.” The ministry urged communities to report intimidation and warned that perpetrators would face prosecution.
International Reactions
Several countries have organised repatriation efforts for their citizens:
- Ghana arranged flights that cleared more than 600 nationals to leave South Africa over the weekend, with a total of 995 Ghanaians reported to have departed by Monday.
- Malawi and Mozambique have deployed buses to bring home their citizens.
- The first group of Nigerians is scheduled to depart on Wednesday.
Kenya, Lesotho and Zimbabwe have issued travel advisories urging their nationals in South Africa to exercise caution and avoid confrontations.
Context: Xenophobic Violence in South Africa
South Africa hosts more than three million foreigners, just over five percent of its total population. High unemployment—officially above 30 percent—has often intensified competition for low‑wage jobs, fuelling resentment toward migrant workers.
Historical outbreaks of violence include:
- 2008: 62 people killed in the worst anti‑immigrant attacks in two decades.
- 2015, 2016 and 2019: notable clashes resulting in injuries, property damage and displacement.
The most recent wave, beginning in early 2024, has already claimed at least two Mozambican lives and prompted several governments to organise the return of their citizens.
Moving Forward: Balancing Security and Rights
Experts from the African Centre for Migration & Society (ACMS) note that sustainable solutions require:
- Strengthening legal pathways for work and residence permits.
- Investing in community‑based programmes that address unemployment and skills gaps.
- Ensuring law‑enforcement actions respect human rights while deterring criminal exploitation of immigration fears.
As the debate continues, the testimony of locals like Ndabandaba and the official stance of President Ramaphosa illustrate the tension between public sentiment and the country’s constitutional commitment to equality and dignity.
