Heavy security deployed in South Africa ahead of anti-migrant protests
Heavy security personnel has been deployed across South Africa because of fears that anti-immigration protests could turn violent as President Cyril Ramaphosa urged those planning to take part to do so without "intimidation, threats or ultimatums".
The planned protests mark an unofficial deadline set by campaigners for all undocumented foreigner to leave the country.
Many have already fled to escape violence and intimidation. South African police say 25,000 have been repatriated so far. Most are from other African countries.
One undocumented Malawian told the BBC he was "happy to be going back" but "heartbroken" to be leaving behind four young children.
Johannesburg, where one of the protests is planned, is unusually quiet and all the shops in the vicinity of where marchers are due to gather are closed.
Ramaphosa has repeatedly warned demonstrators to act peacefully and responsibly, while also accepting the need for immigration reforms.
"Some foreign nationals who live in South Africa are here lawfully," he reminded citizens in his weekly newsletter, external.
"They work, study, raise families, invest in our economy and contribute positively to our society. They too are entitled to the protection of our laws and our Constitution.
"The right to protest and freedom of expression does not allow people to threaten or intimidate others, or to engage in acts of vandalism or violence," he wrote.
There are more than three million documented foreign nationals in South Africa, according to official figures.
Ahead of the deadline, thousands of migrants have been awaiting processing in temporary camps for several weeks out of fear for their safety.
In Durban, which has seen some of the biggest protests, white tents housing mostly Malawians are being dismantled as authorities race to clear the transit camp.
Women in colourful sarongs sat on top of their belongings, waiting in line to board a bus home to Malawi.
One man, Nelson Mbewe, said he had gone to South Africa in search of employment to support his family in Malawi.
"But we've faced challenges - they're saying we should go back home because we do not have the right documents," he told the BBC.
"They say we are Makwerekwere" - a xenophobic slur used to refer to African migrants from other countries - Mbewe said.
"It's their country, so what can we do? That's why we have accepted that we just have to [unwillingly] go back home."
Hassan Phiri, a Malawian who is still waiting to be processed, had a message for the protesters.
"All I want to say to South Africans is that we are all one. No matter what is happening, no matter what will happen, Africa must remain Africa.
"Africa can't be Africa without South Africa... without Malawi, without anywhere," he told the BBC, adding: "So whatever will happen, we must love each other and stick together as Africa."
Anti-migrant marches have been authorised for Tuesday in Durban, Johannesburg and other cities.
The authorities have warned organisers to ensure there is no violence but say they are prepared for any potential disruption.
The police say traditional weapons are not allowed. This could lead to tension between protesters and the police because many of the protesters are ethnic Zulus, who always take their shields, whips and sticks when they go on marches.
According to the government, more than 12,000 immigrants have been deported or repatriated since a wave of protests began earlier this year.
Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria and Zimbabwe have been organising repatriations by air or bus over the last few weeks - with about 3,500 foreigners volunteering to leave.
South African authorities claim more than 500 Nigerians repatriated did not have correct papers, which Nigeria has disputed.
Xenophobia has long been an issue in South Africa, and has sometimes lead to violence.
According to the African Centre for Migration and Society's (ACMS) xenophobic violence tracker Xenowatch, two people have been killed this year.
In 2008, more than 60 people died during a wave of rioting against non-South Africans.
Read the full story at BBC ↗
South Africa is experiencing heightened security measures in preparation for anti-immigration protests planned for Tuesday across several cities. An unofficial deadline set by protest campaigners calls for undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country. President Ramaphosa has called for peaceful protest while acknowledging legitimate concerns about immigration reform, and has reminded citizens that lawfully resident foreign nationals contribute to the economy and deserve constitutional protection. Thousands of migrants from other African countries, facing safety concerns and the protest deadline, are undergoing repatriation processing. South African authorities have processed approximately 25,000 repatriations, with around 3,500 migrants voluntarily leaving in recent weeks. Police have prohibited traditional weapons at the protests, creating potential friction given that some Zulu protesters customarily carry shields and sticks. Xenophobic incidents have caused documented harm in South Africa, with two deaths recorded this year.
Read the full story at BBC ↗
Heavy security personnel has been deployed across South Africa because of fears that anti-immigration protests could turn violent as President Cyril Ramaphosa urged those planning to take part to do so without "intimidation, threats or ultimatums".
The planned protests mark an unofficial deadline set by campaigners for all undocumented foreigner to leave the country.
Many have already fled to escape violence and intimidation. South African police say 25,000 have been repatriated so far. Most are from other African countries.
One undocumented Malawian told the BBC he was "happy to be going back" but "heartbroken" to be leaving behind four young children.
Johannesburg, where one of the protests is planned, is unusually quiet and all the shops in the vicinity of where marchers are due to gather are closed.
Ramaphosa has repeatedly warned demonstrators to act peacefully and responsibly, while also accepting the need for immigration reforms.
"Some foreign nationals who live in South Africa are here lawfully," he reminded citizens in his weekly newsletter, external.
"They work, study, raise families, invest in our economy and contribute positively to our society. They too are entitled to the protection of our laws and our Constitution.
"The right to protest and freedom of expression does not allow people to threaten or intimidate others, or to engage in acts of vandalism or violence," he wrote.
There are more than three million documented foreign nationals in South Africa, according to official figures.
Ahead of the deadline, thousands of migrants have been awaiting processing in temporary camps for several weeks out of fear for their safety.
In Durban, which has seen some of the biggest protests, white tents housing mostly Malawians are being dismantled as authorities race to clear the transit camp.
Women in colourful sarongs sat on top of their belongings, waiting in line to board a bus home to Malawi.
One man, Nelson Mbewe, said he had gone to South Africa in search of employment to support his family in Malawi.
"But we've faced challenges - they're saying we should go back home because we do not have the right documents," he told the BBC.
"They say we are Makwerekwere" - a xenophobic slur used to refer to African migrants from other countries - Mbewe said.
"It's their country, so what can we do? That's why we have accepted that we just have to [unwillingly] go back home."
Hassan Phiri, a Malawian who is still waiting to be processed, had a message for the protesters.
"All I want to say to South Africans is that we are all one. No matter what is happening, no matter what will happen, Africa must remain Africa.
"Africa can't be Africa without South Africa... without Malawi, without anywhere," he told the BBC, adding: "So whatever will happen, we must love each other and stick together as Africa."
Anti-migrant marches have been authorised for Tuesday in Durban, Johannesburg and other cities.
The authorities have warned organisers to ensure there is no violence but say they are prepared for any potential disruption.
The police say traditional weapons are not allowed. This could lead to tension between protesters and the police because many of the protesters are ethnic Zulus, who always take their shields, whips and sticks when they go on marches.
According to the government, more than 12,000 immigrants have been deported or repatriated since a wave of protests began earlier this year.
Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria and Zimbabwe have been organising repatriations by air or bus over the last few weeks - with about 3,500 foreigners volunteering to leave.
South African authorities claim more than 500 Nigerians repatriated did not have correct papers, which Nigeria has disputed.
Xenophobia has long been an issue in South Africa, and has sometimes lead to violence.
According to the African Centre for Migration and Society's (ACMS) xenophobic violence tracker Xenowatch, two people have been killed this year.
In 2008, more than 60 people died during a wave of rioting against non-South Africans.
Read the full story at BBC ↗
Heavy security personnel have been deployed across South Africa ahead of planned anti-migrant protests President Cyril Ramaphosa urged protesters to act without 'intimidation, threats or ultimatums' An unofficial deadline has been set by campaigners for all undocumented foreigners to leave the country South African police report that 25,000 migrants have been repatriated so far, primarily from other African countries Thousands of migrants have fled to escape violence and intimidation More than three million documented foreign nationals reside in South Africa according to official figures Around 3,500 foreign nationals have volunteered to leave over recent weeks, organised by Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria and Zimbabwe Police have prohibited traditional weapons at protests, which could create tension with Zulu protesters who traditionally carry shields and sticks Two deaths have been attributed to xenophobic violence in South Africa this year, according to the African Centre for Migration and Society's tracker Ramaphosa's emphasis on the lawful rights and economic contributions of documented foreign nationals frames immigration debate around legal status rather than ethnicity The characterisation of the deadline as 'unofficial' implies lack of formal institutional authority behind the protest demand
Read the full story at BBC ↗
- South African authorities have deployed heavy security ahead of planned anti-migrant protests scheduled for Tuesday in multiple cities, with an unofficial deadline set by campaigners for undocumented foreigners to leave the country
- President Ramaphosa has urged protesters to demonstrate peacefully while acknowledging the need for immigration reforms, and emphasized that lawful foreign nationals have constitutional protections
- Thousands of migrants, primarily from other African nations, have fled or are being processed for repatriation; South African police report 25,000 repatriations so far, with around 3,500 volunteering to leave in recent weeks
- Police have banned traditional weapons at protests, which may create tension with Zulu protesters who traditionally carry shields and sticks
- Xenophobia-related violence in South Africa has a documented history; two deaths have been recorded this year according to tracking data