Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets across South Africa on Tuesday, demanding that undocumented migrants leave the country as tensions over immigration continue to escalate.
Large marches were held in major cities including Johannesburg and Durban, where police officers, supported by private security personnel and the military in some areas, were deployed amid concerns the protests could turn violent. While authorities described most demonstrations as peaceful, several incidents of violence, looting and arrests were reported.
The protests followed an ultimatum issued by anti-migrant groups, which had set Tuesday as the deadline for undocumented migrants to leave South Africa. In response to growing fears of xenophobic attacks, many foreign nationals have already returned to their home countries. South African police said around 25,000 undocumented migrants have been repatriated so far, with most returning to neighbouring African nations.
Scattered clashes broke out during the marches. Police confirmed three people were arrested in Johannesburg’s Hillbrow district after allegedly opening fire on protesters, prompting demonstrators to set their vehicle ablaze. Two people, including a 17-year-old, were injured in the incident. Elsewhere, five suspects were arrested over the alleged looting of a foreign-owned shop in Soweto, while another 10 people were detained for looting in KwaZulu-Natal. Additional arrests were made over assault and intimidation offences linked to attacks on foreign nationals.
Reports also emerged of protesters in Germiston escorting residents they suspected were undocumented migrants to police officers, demanding that immigration documents be checked. In Yeoville, demonstrators reportedly threw bricks at homes occupied by migrants, damaging several properties. Many businesses in central Johannesburg and Durban remained closed as a precaution.
Anti-migrant movement March and March said it would continue staging weekly protests every Thursday for the next six months until the government removes undocumented migrants from the country. Members of another group, Operation Dudula, also vowed to pressure police into arresting people living in South Africa illegally.
President Cyril Ramaphosa met protest leaders before the marches in an effort to ease tensions. While acknowledging public concerns over immigration and the need for reforms, he reminded South Africans that many foreign nationals live in the country legally, contribute to the economy and are entitled to protection under the Constitution. He also warned that the right to protest does not extend to violence, intimidation or vandalism.
The protests have triggered a wave of departures by migrants. Nigeria has already evacuated around 600 of its citizens, while Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe have also been repatriating nationals by air and bus. Thousands of migrants have spent weeks in temporary transit camps awaiting transport home, fearing attacks if they remained.
Many of those leaving described the decision as heartbreaking. One undocumented Malawian told the BBC he was relieved to return home but devastated to leave behind his four young children in South Africa. Another migrant, who had worked in the country for more than two decades, appealed for African unity, saying the continent should remain united despite the current tensions.
South Africa has long struggled with outbreaks of xenophobic violence, fuelled by high unemployment and growing frustration over illegal immigration. Official figures show more than three million documented foreign nationals live in the country, while police say about 50,000 undocumented migrants have been arrested since January. The latest demonstrations have once again placed immigration and social tensions at the centre of national debate.
