South Africa Tightens Security Ahead Of Nationwide Anti-Migrant Protests

Heavy security has been deployed across South Africa ahead of planned nationwide anti-immigration protests, amid fears that the demonstrations could turn violent.

The protests coincide with an unofficial deadline issued by campaigners demanding that all undocumented foreign nationals leave the country.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appealed to demonstrators to exercise restraint, urging them to protest peacefully without resorting to violence or intimidation.

Police officers and private security personnel have been stationed in major cities as authorities prepare for coordinated protests expected in Johannesburg, Durban and other parts of the country.

Many undocumented migrants have already left the country or moved into temporary transit camps to avoid possible attacks. According to South African police, about 25,000 undocumented migrants have so far been repatriated, with most returning to other African countries.

One undocumented Malawian, who spoke to the BBC, said he was “happy to be going back” but “heartbroken” to be leaving behind his four young children.

In Johannesburg, where one of the demonstrations is expected to take place, the city remained unusually quiet on Tuesday morning.

Businesses around the designated protest routes remained closed, while police maintained a visible presence across major roads.

Police also confirmed the arrest of five suspects in Soweto for allegedly looting a foreign-owned shop. Another five people were arrested in Hammarsdale, KwaZulu-Natal Province, over the alleged break-in of a tuck shop.

Several businesses in central Durban also shut their doors ahead of the demonstrations.

President Ramaphosa has repeatedly acknowledged the need for immigration reforms but warned against targeting law-abiding migrants.

“Some foreign nationals who live in South Africa are here lawfully,” he wrote in his weekly newsletter.

“They work, study, raise families, invest in our economy and contribute positively to our society. They too are entitled to the protection of our laws and our Constitution.

“The right to protest and freedom of expression does not allow people to threaten or intimidate others, or to engage in acts of vandalism or violence,” he added.

Official figures show that South Africa is home to more than three million documented foreign nationals.

Thousands of migrants have spent several weeks in temporary camps while awaiting processing, fearing attacks linked to the protests.

In Durban, where some of the largest demonstrations have been planned, authorities have begun dismantling transit camps occupied mainly by Malawian nationals as evacuation efforts continue.

Women carrying their belongings queued to board buses returning to Malawi.

One migrant, Nelson Mbewe, said he travelled to South Africa in search of work to support his family.

“But we’ve faced challenges – they’re saying we should go back home because we do not have the right documents,” he said.

“They say we are Makwerekwere”—a derogatory term commonly used against African migrants from other countries.

“It’s their country, so what can we do? That’s why we have accepted that we just have to [unwillingly] go back home.”

Another Malawian migrant, Hassan Phiri, appealed for unity across the continent.

“All I want to say to South Africans is that we are all one. No matter what is happening, no matter what will happen, Africa must remain Africa.

“Africa can’t be Africa without South Africa… without Malawi, without anywhere,” he said, adding, “So whatever will happen, we must love each other and stick together as Africa.”

Authorities have approved anti-migrant marches in Durban, Johannesburg and several other cities while warning organisers that violence will not be tolerated.

Police also cautioned that traditional weapons would not be allowed during the demonstrations. The restriction could create tension since many of the protesters are ethnic Zulus who traditionally carry shields, sticks and whips during public marches.

The South African government said more than 12,000 undocumented migrants have been deported or repatriatedsince anti-migrant protests intensified earlier this year.

Countries including Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria and Zimbabwe have also organised voluntary repatriation programmes by air and road, with about 3,500 migrants choosing to return home.

South African authorities claim that more than 500 Nigerians repatriated lacked proper immigration documents, a claim the Nigerian government has disputed.

Xenophobic attacks have remained a recurring issue in South Africa for years, occasionally resulting in deadly violence.

According to the African Centre for Migration and Society’s Xenowatch tracker, two people have been killed in xenophobic-related incidents this year.

In 2008, one of the country’s worst outbreaks of xenophobic violence left more than 60 people dead during attacks targeting foreign nationals.