Anti-Immigrant Protest in South Africa Targets Nigerians, Others

Anti-Immigrant Protest in South Africa Targets Nigerians, Others

Durban, South Africa – Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets of Durban yesterday as the controversial civic group March and March led an anti-immigrant protest, demanding stricter immigration laws and tighter border controls. The protest specifically targeted Nigerians and other foreign nationals, amid claims that undocumented immigrants are taking jobs, straining public services, and contributing to rising crime.

Joining the march were members of the political party ActionSA and the vigilante anti-migrant group Operation Dudula, who called for the mass deportation of undocumented foreign nationals. The protest marked the first anniversary of March and March raising immigration issues in public forums.

March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma stoked tensions with rhetoric widely condemned as xenophobic, questioning why undocumented foreigners are allowed access to public facilities such as healthcare. “If you are saying you can’t refuse them healthcare, then why must it be public? Make them pay for their own healthcare if they want to be here in the country milking our resources,” she said.

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ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba defended his party’s participation, arguing that the government has been too slow to enforce immigration laws. “We are seeing our government allowing our country to be flooded by groups from all over the world — Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Mexico, all over the world. So, we are saying to our government this is unacceptable,” Mashaba said.

Protesters, including local resident Muzi Xaba, claimed that undocumented immigrants are taking jobs from South Africans. “Our duty is to deal with labour as well as civil matters. We must remove foreigners and then hire South Africans,” he said. Anti-migrant activists also blamed foreign nationals for increasing crime and weakening local communities, fueling ongoing tensions in South Africa.

Police in Durban deployed additional personnel to maintain order and prevent clashes, using rubber bullets and teargas in some areas to disperse the crowd. Authorities warned that further unrest could escalate into violence or property damage.

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) advised Nigerians in South Africa to avoid protest areas and shelter in place for safety. Officials stated they were not aware of targeted attacks but urged vigilance amid rising anti-immigrant sentiment. Efforts to reach the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for comment were unsuccessful.

South Africa has a long history of anti-immigrant sentiment, particularly against Nigerians, Zimbabweans, and Somalis. Analysts warn that protests such as these could exacerbate xenophobic tensions, disrupt communities, and strain diplomatic relations if not addressed through dialogue and legal enforcement.

Anti-Immigrant Protest in South Africa Targets Nigerians, Others