Heavy security in South Africa as anti-migrant protesters take to the streets
✓Image source, Reuters
Co-ordinated protests are taking place across the country and there is a heavy security presence in most cities
ByNomsa MasekoBBC AfricaReporting fromDurbanKhanyisile NgcoboReporting fromJohannesburgFarouk Chothia and Hafsa Khalil
Police officers have been deployed across South Africa because of fears that anti-immigration protests could turn violent as President Cyril Ramaphosa urged demonstrators to refrain from "intimidation, threats or ultimatums".
The protests mark an unofficial deadline set by campaigners for all undocumented foreigners 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.
The Ministry of Police said the protests were largely peaceful across the country, with isolated incidents of looting and attempted looting.
Johannesburg, where one of the protests is taking place, is unusually quiet. Shops in the city centre are closed, while police visibility is high on major streets.
Some protesters threw bricks, breaking the windows of some flats in Yeoville, a suburb in Johannesburg where many African migrants live.
Police said that five people were arrested in Johannesburg's biggest township, Soweto, for allegedly looting a foreign-owned shop.
Five people were also arrested for allegedly breaking into a tuck shop in Hammarsdale in KwaZulu-Natal province.
Many businesses in central Durban, the main city in the province, are also shut. A police helicopter has been circling the city.
Ramaphosa met some of the protest leaders on the eve of the marches in a bid to defuse tensions.
He has repeatedly warned demonstrators to act peacefully, 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.
The statistics do not record the many more migrants believed to be in the country without papers - a bone of contention for the protesters.
Police said that about 50,000 migrants had been arrested since January for being in the country illegally.
A Soweto resident told the BBC that protesters merely wanted foreigners "to comply" with the laws of South Africa.
She said that with the heavy police presence, she did not believe the march in Johannesburg would turn violent.
Another protester, who is part of anti-migrant group Operation Dudula, said they would "push the police to do their" job if undocumented migrants did not leave South Africa.
Nigeria flew out 269 of its citizens on the eve of the protests, bringing to around 600 the number evacuated so far. More evacuations are expected to take place in the coming days.
Ahead of the deadline, thousands of migrants from various countries have been awaiting processing in temporary camps for several weeks out of fear for their safety.
Image source, Thuthuka Zondi / BBC
The march in Durban has been peaceful so far - and many businesses in the city are shut
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.
About 7,000 Malawians have already been repatriated, Malawian media report.
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."
Image source, AFP via Getty Images
In Durban, migrants have been taking buses to take them home
Anti-migrant marches have been authorised 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.
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, and take their shields, whips and sticks when they go on marches.
However, police have so far allowed them to carry the weapons, seizing only a machete at a march in Durban.
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 ↗ · The Guardian ↗
South Africa has increased police deployment in major cities following coordinated anti-migration protests tied to an unofficial departure deadline set by campaigners. President Ramaphosa met with protest leaders beforehand and publicly called for peaceful demonstration while affirming migrants' constitutional protections. Police report the protests proceeded largely peacefully, with a small number of arrests for looting and property damage in Johannesburg and KwaZulu-Natal. Business closures and heightened police visibility marked major urban centers. Thousands of migrants, predominantly from other African nations, have begun departing through government-organized repatriation programs coordinated with their home countries. Official figures show 25,000 repatriated since earlier waves of protest began, with over 12,000 deported or repatriated total. South Africa hosts more than 3 million documented foreign nationals; the size of undocumented populations remains disputed. Xenophobic tensions in South Africa have historical precedent for violence.
Read the full story at BBC ↗ · The Guardian ↗
Image source, Reuters
Co-ordinated protests are taking place across the country and there is a heavy security presence in most cities
ByNomsa MasekoBBC AfricaReporting fromDurbanKhanyisile NgcoboReporting fromJohannesburgFarouk Chothia and Hafsa Khalil
Police officers have been deployed across South Africa because of fears that anti-immigration protests could turn violent as President Cyril Ramaphosa urged demonstrators to refrain from "intimidation, threats or ultimatums".
The protests mark an unofficial deadline set by campaigners for all undocumented foreigners 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.
The Ministry of Police said the protests were largely peaceful across the country, with isolated incidents of looting and attempted looting.
Johannesburg, where one of the protests is taking place, is unusually quiet. Shops in the city centre are closed, while police visibility is high on major streets.
Some protesters threw bricks, breaking the windows of some flats in Yeoville, a suburb in Johannesburg where many African migrants live.
Police said that five people were arrested in Johannesburg's biggest township, Soweto, for allegedly looting a foreign-owned shop.
Five people were also arrested for allegedly breaking into a tuck shop in Hammarsdale in KwaZulu-Natal province.
Many businesses in central Durban, the main city in the province, are also shut. A police helicopter has been circling the city.
Ramaphosa met some of the protest leaders on the eve of the marches in a bid to defuse tensions.
He has repeatedly warned demonstrators to act peacefully, 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.
The statistics do not record the many more migrants believed to be in the country without papers - a bone of contention for the protesters.
Police said that about 50,000 migrants had been arrested since January for being in the country illegally.
A Soweto resident told the BBC that protesters merely wanted foreigners "to comply" with the laws of South Africa.
She said that with the heavy police presence, she did not believe the march in Johannesburg would turn violent.
Another protester, who is part of anti-migrant group Operation Dudula, said they would "push the police to do their" job if undocumented migrants did not leave South Africa.
Nigeria flew out 269 of its citizens on the eve of the protests, bringing to around 600 the number evacuated so far. More evacuations are expected to take place in the coming days.
Ahead of the deadline, thousands of migrants from various countries have been awaiting processing in temporary camps for several weeks out of fear for their safety.
Image source, Thuthuka Zondi / BBC
The march in Durban has been peaceful so far - and many businesses in the city are shut
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.
About 7,000 Malawians have already been repatriated, Malawian media report.
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."
Image source, AFP via Getty Images
In Durban, migrants have been taking buses to take them home
Anti-migrant marches have been authorised 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.
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, and take their shields, whips and sticks when they go on marches.
However, police have so far allowed them to carry the weapons, seizing only a machete at a march in Durban.
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 ↗ · The Guardian ↗
South African police were deployed across major cities ahead of anti-immigration protests The protests were marked by an unofficial deadline set by campaigners for undocumented foreigners to leave the country President Cyril Ramaphosa met with protest leaders and urged demonstrators to refrain from violence, intimidation, or threats Police reported the protests were largely peaceful with isolated incidents of looting and property damage Five arrests were made in Soweto for allegedly looting a foreign-owned shop, and five others in KwaZulu-Natal for breaking into a tuck shop South African police report 25,000 migrants have been repatriated so far More than 3 million documented foreign nationals live in South Africa About 50,000 migrants were arrested since January for being in the country illegally Nigeria evacuated 269 citizens on the eve of the protests, bringing the total evacuated to around 600 Police seized traditional weapons selectively, allowing most Zulu protesters to carry shields, whips, and sticks while confiscating only a machete at a Durban march The African Centre for Migration and Society reported two people killed from xenophobic violence this year In 2008, more than 60 people died during a wave of rioting against non-South Africans A protester stated that campaigners merely want foreigners to comply with South African law A migrant protester asserted that Africa cannot be Africa without South Africa and other nations working together
Read the full story at BBC ↗ · The Guardian ↗
- South Africa has deployed heavy police across major cities ahead of coordinated anti-migrant protests following an unofficial deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave
- Authorities report largely peaceful demonstrations with isolated incidents of looting and property damage; President Ramaphosa met protest leaders and warned against violence
- Thousands of migrants, primarily from other African countries, have begun leaving via organized repatriation programs; South African police report 25,000 repatriated so far since the wave of protests began earlier this year
- More than 3 million documented foreign nationals live in South Africa; undocumented populations remain uncounted, a point of contention for protesters
- Historical context: xenophobic violence in South Africa has resulted in significant casualties, including over 60 deaths in 2008