South African authorities have deployed heavy security across major cities ahead of planned anti-migrant protests, amid concerns that demonstrations could turn violent. President Cyril Ramaphosa urged protesters to exercise their right peacefully and avoid intimidation, threats, or violence.
The protests coincide with an unofficial deadline set by campaigners demanding that undocumented migrants leave the country. In response to rising tensions, thousands of foreign nationals have sought repatriation, with police reporting that around 25,000 undocumented migrants have already returned to their home countries, most of them from other African nations.
Security has been significantly increased in cities including Johannesburg and Durban. Businesses in several areas remained closed, while police maintained a strong presence to prevent unrest. Authorities confirmed multiple arrests, including individuals accused of looting foreign-owned businesses in Soweto and Hammarsdale.
President Ramaphosa acknowledged public concerns over immigration but stressed that many foreign nationals reside legally in South Africa and contribute to the country’s economy and society. He emphasized that peaceful protest is a constitutional right but warned that violence, vandalism, and intimidation would not be tolerated.
South Africa officially hosts more than three million documented foreign nationals, while the number of undocumented migrants remains unknown and continues to fuel political debate.
Ahead of the protests, temporary transit camps have been processing migrants returning to countries such as Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Ghana, and Nigeria. Many migrants cited fear of xenophobic violence as the reason for leaving. Some expressed disappointment at being forced to abandon their lives and families in South Africa.
The demonstrations have been authorized in Johannesburg, Durban, and other cities, with police warning that traditional weapons, including shields, sticks, and whips, will not be permitted during the marches.
According to the government, more than 12,000 migrants have been deported or repatriated since anti-immigration protests intensified earlier this year. Meanwhile, rights groups continue to warn about the long-standing issue of xenophobia in South Africa, which has previously resulted in deadly violence, including the 2008 attacks that claimed more than 60 lives.