South Africa: Thousands protest, demand expulsion of illegal immigrants

Thousands of South Africans marched across the country, answering a call from a coalition of smaller parties and civic groups to demand the expulsion of illegal immigrants. These groups had set an unofficial June 30 deadline for those without valid papers to leave. The government deployed significant security measures for the demonstrations, which were largely peaceful. However, police reported isolated incidents of "looting and attempted looting." The nation has been tense for weeks following partly violent unrest that claimed at least four lives: a Malawian, two Mozambicans, and an Ethiopian. South Africa, one of the continent's most prosperous countries, attracts many migrant workers. It simultaneously grapples with an unemployment rate exceeding 30% and high crime statistics. Protest leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma urged against violence, stating that no one would be killed and no looting would occur in the organizers' name. She called the protests a "national march for freedom," reiterating the demand for deporting all undocumented immigrants. President Cyril Ramaphosa pledged intensified government action against illegal immigration and urged local leaders to help de-escalate tensions. Demonstrations occurred in Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town. In Johannesburg, many businesses closed, workers stayed home, and public transport was limited during a march by thousands. Durban saw protesters in traditional Zulu attire, carrying spears and shields. Cape Town had a smaller turnout, with a counter-demonstration against xenophobia. Growing security concerns from anti-immigrant attacks and store looting prompted several countries, including Malawi, Ghana, Nigeria, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, to offer voluntary repatriations to their citizens.

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Nobody will be killed and there will be no looting in the name of the organizers.