Protesters Against Illegal Immigration In South Africa Call For More Deportations
Crowds of anti-illegal immigration protesters demonstrate in the streets in Durban, South Africa, Wednesday, September 30, 2026. AP Photo
DURBAN, Oct 1 – Hundreds of people held a demonstration against illegal immigration in the South African city of Durban on Wednesday, vowing to intensify their actions against what they say is the government’s failure to deal with the issue.
The crowds, led by the March by March group, had set a September 30 deadline for those living illegally in South Africa to leave the country, however the deadline wasn’t recognized by the government and authorities.
With some brandishing traditional Zulu weapons and singing cultural songs, they marched through Durban’s streets. Police didn’t report any incidents of violence against foreigners during the protest.
A similar deadline set for June 30 sparked a mass repatriation of foreigners to their various African countries after attacks on immigrants. The governments of those nations arranged for the evacuation of their citizens.
Wednesday’s demonstration was the latest protest in South Africa over the last few months. There have been reported attacks against some foreign nationals that have led to diplomatic tensions between the South African government and some African nations.
South African authorities also have reported the deportations of thousands of foreigners who were in the country illegally in recent months.
Earlier this month, Nigeria’s parliament indefinitely suspended official visits and engagements with South Africa over the immigration tensions.
For years, South Africa has attracted foreign nationals seeking economic opportunities from across the continent, including from nearby countries Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Mozambique and Malawi, and as far away as Nigeria, Ghana and Ethiopia.
Many blame migrants for the country’s high levels of unemployment, crime and pressure on public services.
“We were raising another concern about our porous borders and the fact that we have overstretched resources that are not enough to take care of us,” said Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, the leader of March and March.
By Mogomotsi Magome, Johannesburg
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