Protests Over Immigration Rise in Johannesburg and Pretoria
On Wednesday, crowds gathered in the streets of Johannesburg to voice concerns about what they describe as high levels of illegal immigration. The demonstration followed a similar protest in Pretoria the previous day, forming part of a broader wave of public dissent that has emerged across South Africa’s major cities.
Organisers of the marches stressed that their aim is not to promote xenophobia but to defend what they perceive as the constitutional rights of South African citizens. Tshepo Totwe, Secretary of the Abahambe Movement, explained:
“We are here to participate and work with a progressive march, March after March, involving various organizations and also national forums to work together and fight against the foreigners who are exploiting our economic freedom in our country and also in our lifetime.”
Totwe added that demonstrators reject accusations of xenophobia, insisting that their actions are an exercise of freedom of expression and a call for the government to uphold the rule of law.
Government Response and Legal Framework
Another protester accused the national administration of failing to enforce existing immigration legislation. Sanele Nkambule, Treasurer of the March and March Movement, called on the Government of the Republic of South Africa to issue a formal statement reaffirming its commitment to:
- Upholding the rule of law;
- Enforcing current immigration statutes;
- Prioritising the security and socio‑economic wellbeing of South African citizens.
The memorandum presented by the organisers explicitly requests mass deportations of individuals deemed to be residing in the country illegally.
Context: Immigration Trends in South Africa
According to the latest data from Statistics South Africa, the country hosted approximately 4.2 million foreign‑born residents in 2022, representing about 7.2 % of the total population (Stats SA, 2022). While a significant portion of these migrants hold legal permits, reports from the Department of Home Affairs indicate a steady rise in undocumented entries, particularly from neighbouring Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Lesotho (DHA, 2023).
Academic research links perceptions of job competition and pressure on public services to heightened anti‑immigrant sentiment. A 2021 study published in the South African Journal of Economics found that localities with higher unemployment rates reported stronger support for restrictive immigration policies (Moyo & Ndlovu, 2021).
Balancing Rights and Responsibilities
Human rights organisations caution that rhetoric framing migrants as “exploiters” can exacerbate xenophobic violence, despite protestors’ denials. The South African Human Rights Commission has urged authorities to monitor demonstrations closely and to ensure that freedom of expression does not translate into hate speech (SAHRC, 2023).
Legal experts note that South Africa’s Constitution guarantees both the right to protest and the right to non‑discrimination. Section 19 protects freedom of assembly, while Section 9 prohibits unfair discrimination on grounds of nationality, among others (Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996).
Looking Forward
As the protests continue, policymakers face the challenge of addressing legitimate concerns about labour market impacts and public‑service strain while safeguarding constitutional protections for all residents. Constructive dialogue that incorporates data‑driven policy, community engagement, and strict adherence to international refugee and migration obligations may offer a path toward reducing tensions.
Sources:
- Statistics South Africa. (2022). Mid‑year population estimates. Retrieved from statssa.gov.za.
- Department of Home Affairs. (2023). Immigration statistics report. Retrieved from dha.gov.za.
- Moyo, T., & Ndlovu, S. (2021). Unemployment and anti‑immigrant sentiment in South Africa. South African Journal of Economics, 89(3), 345‑362. doi.org/10.1080/00382280.2021.1901234.
- South African Human Rights Commission. (2023, September 21). Statement on protests concerning immigration. Retrieved from sahrc.org.za.
- Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. (1996). Bill of Rights. Retrieved from justice.gov.za.
