SOUTH AFRICA CRACKS DOWN ON ANTI-MIGRANT PROTESTS
President Ramaphosa warns that "vigilantism is unacceptable," as an unofficial deadline for undocumented foreigners triggers nationwide unrest and business closures.
Official Response
President Cyril Ramaphosa has issued a firm statement regarding ongoing protests against undocumented migrants. In his weekly newsletter, the president stated that protests against migrants should not involve intimidation, threats, or ultimatums.
He reminded citizens that foreign nationals who are lawfully in South Africa are entitled to protection under the law and the constitution. "The right to protest does not permit threats, intimidation, vandalism, or violence," Ramaphosa added, characterizing vigilantism as unacceptable.
Official figures indicate there are over three million documented foreign nationals residing in South Africa.
Protests and Public Actions
Anti-immigrant groups set an unofficial Tuesday deadline for undocumented foreign nationals to leave, claiming they would face arrest. The South African government has stated these claims are false.
In Johannesburg, protesters included working-class and middle-class South Africans from various ethnic groups. Their stated goal was to pressure the government to address the status of undocumented foreigners, citing frustration over unmet promises and job competition.
"Some protesters broke away from the main groups, causing disturbances and breaking windows."
Some marches moved through the neighborhoods of Yeoville and Hillbrow—areas with mixed populations. While marches were intended to be peaceful, disturbances included broken windows, a planned protest on a major highway, and a fire set near a dumpster where homeless people reside in Yeoville. Police and soldiers were deployed to disperse the crowd.
Businesses in several South African cities have closed in response to the protests.
Impact on Foreign Nationals
Thousands of foreign nationals have been waiting in temporary camps for processing due to safety concerns. Reports indicate that several thousand African nationals have left South Africa in recent weeks due to fear of violence. Some African nations have sent aircraft and buses to facilitate repatriation.
"Weeks of attacks have resulted in the deaths of at least two Mozambicans, an Ethiopian, and a Malawian."
Legal foreign nationals have also been affected, with some being evicted from housing or losing employment due to fears of fines or attacks.
Political and Historical Context
Some politicians have increased anti-immigrant rhetoric in the lead-up to national elections scheduled for November. South Africa has experienced previous periods of anti-immigrant violence, including:
- 2008: Riots resulting in 62 deaths
- 2015 & 2016: Further outbreaks of violence
- 2019: Riots in Johannesburg resulting in 12 deaths