Anti-immigration protests intensified in johannesburg On Wednesday, hundreds of south african Marched against undocumented migration and called for strict enforcement of immigration laws.
This rally followed similar demonstrations a day earlier. PretoriaIt is a sign of growing, coordinated pressure by anti-immigration groups, which are pressuring authorities to tighten enforcement and carry out mass deportations.
South Africa's economic attractiveness continues to attract migrants from across the continent, through both formal channels and irregular routes, in search of work and stability. That steady flow has quickly become a flashpoint, fueling friction in communities already strained by high unemployment and limited resources.
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In Johannesburg, protests rapidly disrupted daily life. Many businesses run by both South Africans and foreign nationals have closed their doors as a precaution due to fears that the unrest could turn into looting or opportunistic crime, AP informed.
The march was led by the group March and March and was supported by political parties including ActionSA and Patriotic Alliance, as well as like-minded organizations such as Operation Dudula.
Themba Mabunda of ActionSA, who participated in the march, said, “We are not xenophobic, we just want to do the right thing in South Africa, put South Africans first. We want to have foreigners in our country, but those foreigners must live in the country legally.”
The scale of undocumented migration remains uncertain. Frequently cited estimates range between three to five million people, although exact figures are difficult to verify given the number of individuals without legal status.
The groups behind the protests argue that irregular migration is increasing overcrowding in cities, increasing job competition, reducing tax revenues and contributing to crime and border control challenges. These concerns are heightened in a country where unemployment is above 30%.
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At times the tension has escalated into direct confrontation. There have been reports of foreign nationals being turned out of public health facilities by activists, who claim that migrants are already using up limited medical supplies and services.
International concern has also increased. Antonio Guterres There have been recent warnings about rising cases of harassment, intimidation and xenophobic violence targeting migrants in provinces such as KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape.
Violence linked to these tensions has flared up in recent weeks. In Eastern CapeLast month an anti-immigration protest led to the burning of minibus taxis and damage to public infrastructure. Separate alleged attacks on Ghanaian citizens KwaZulu-Natal A diplomatic standoff ensued as South Africa's ambassador to Ghana was summoned for an explanation.
Meanwhile, authorities have stepped up enforcement. More than 109,000 undocumented immigrants have been deported as part of the sweeping crackdown over the past two fiscal years.
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