Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: Hundreds of South Africans took to the streets of Johannesburg on April 30 to protest high levels of illegal immigration, which has fueled tensions between locals and foreign nationals.
The demonstration is part of a broader wave of protests, including in the capital, Pretoria. Anti-immigration groups are calling for the strict enforcement of immigration laws and mass deportations. As one of Africa’s most industrialized economies, South Africa attracts migrants —both those who entered the country legally and illegally in search of opportunities.
The protests in Johannesburg resulted in the closure of many shops, owned by both locals and migrants, due to fears of potential looting or opportunistic crimes. Organized by the anti-immigration group March and March, it also attracted similar organizations, including Operation Dudula and political parties ActionSA and Patriotic Alliance.
“We are not xenophobic, we just want the right thing to be done in South Africa, to put the South African first,” said Themba Mabunda of ActionSA, who participated in the march.
Estimates of migrants who are in South Africa illegally vary significantly, between 3 to 5 million. Accurate up-to-date figures are contested as many of the foreigners lack legal status. Anti-immigration groups argue that illegal immigration causes urban overcrowding, labor tensions, tax revenue loss, and crime and border security threats in a country where unemployment exceeds 30%.In some instances, anti-migration groups have chased foreign nationals away from public health facilities, claiming they were contributing to a shortage of medication and overcrowding.
