South African police fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse hundreds of anti-immigrant protesters in Durban on Wednesday as tensions escalated over foreign nationals.
The demonstration, which drew large crowds to the streets of the coastal city, reflects growing anti-foreign sentiment that has led to repeated violent and sometimes deadly attacks in the country.
Since there is less than a year left for local elections, the issue has become a major political issue.
The protesters, mobilized by political groups and the xenophobic vigilante movement Operation Dudula, marched with placards, slogans and singing demanding strict action against undocumented immigrants.
Police initially prevented the crowd from moving towards the beach, with protesters alleging that the area was plagued with drug-related activity and crime.
However, the situation deteriorated when a breakaway group began harassing spectators and looting shops, prompting security forces to intervene with force.
Many shop owners had already closed their businesses in anticipation of possible unrest.
Speaking at the protest, ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba defended the demonstration.
“People can call us names but we cannot allow a situation where our country gets destroyed before our very eyes,” he said.
He said, “We see that our government is allowing groups from all over the world including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Mexico to enter our country. So we are telling our government that this is unacceptable.”
The protesters included 81-year-old Thembi Dlamini, who blamed corruption and illegal immigration for the worsening economic situation.
He said, “I have seen our country go down because officials take bribes to give illegal documents, police allow drug trade because they are paid.”
He lamented the competition for jobs, saying, “Jobs are being taken away by our brothers who came here illegally from other parts of Africa. Where will our children get jobs?”
South Africa, the continent's most industrialized economy, continues to attract migrants seeking better opportunities despite facing an unemployment rate of nearly 32 percent.
The increased competition for jobs has increased resentment among unemployed citizens, leading to frequent protests and tensions.
According to official figures, there are currently approximately three million foreigners living in South Africa, representing about 5.1 percent of the population.