Heavy Security as Anti-Immigrant Protests Sweep South Africa, Thousands Seek Repatriation

South African authorities deployed heavy security across major cities on Tuesday as anti-immigrant protests intensified, prompting thousands of foreign nationals to seek shelter and assistance to return to their home countries.

Police officers were stationed in key locations to prevent violence, looting and attacks linked to demonstrations organised by groups calling for undocumented migrants to leave the country.

In Johannesburg, many businesses remained closed while security personnel patrolled the city centre as residents travelled to work under heightened security.

The protests were organised by a coalition of small political parties and citizen-led groups that analysts say have gained momentum through coordinated social media campaigns, some of which have been criticised for spreading misinformation.

In Durban, groups of demonstrators dressed in traditional Zulu attire marched through parts of the city carrying sticks and shields while chanting slogans demanding that undocumented foreign nationals leave South Africa. Security forces closely monitored the demonstrations to prevent violence.

One protester, 64-year-old Selwyn Anderson, argued that undocumented migrants had taken over many small businesses, reflecting sentiments shared by some participants.

The demonstrations come amid rising tensions that have already resulted in deadly attacks on foreign nationals. Reports indicate that at least two Mozambicans, one Ethiopian and one Malawian have been killed in recent anti-immigrant violence.

Several African governments have since begun organising buses and flights to evacuate their citizens from South Africa.

South Africa, one of Africa's largest economies, continues to attract migrants from across the continent despite facing high unemployment, rising crime and growing pressure on public services.

Labour analyst Dale McKinley criticised the anti-immigrant movement, arguing that migration has become a political tool ahead of the country's local government elections scheduled for November.

According to him, the country's challenges stem primarily from governance failures, corruption and poor public administration rather than the presence of foreign nationals.

Uganda announced plans over the weekend to begin evacuating nearly 750 of its citizens, while thousands of Malawian and Zimbabwean nationals gathered outside diplomatic missions and designated assembly points in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban awaiting transport home.

Many of those seeking repatriation said they had lost their jobs or accommodation after employers and landlords became concerned about possible attacks or sanctions linked to the ongoing protests.

Among them was Malawian builder Peter Madsoan, who said he decided to return home out of fear for his safety.

"I would rather go home than risk being killed," he said, explaining that he supports his family in Malawi.

Zimbabwean national Evelyn Chinooneka also described difficult conditions after spending several days with her 10-month-old baby outside her country's consulate in Cape Town while waiting for evacuation.

The leader of the March and March movement, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, insisted that the campaign was intended to remain peaceful despite calls for the removal of undocumented migrants.

She described June 30 as the beginning of a nationwide campaign that would continue until undocumented foreign nationals were deported, while maintaining that the movement does not support violence or looting.

The South African government has responded by deploying additional security personnel across the country to prevent a repeat of the widespread unrest that erupted in July 2021, when riots and looting claimed hundreds of lives.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has also announced tougher measures to address illegal immigration while urging traditional leaders to help calm tensions in affected communities.

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli warned that authorities would not allow criminal elements or xenophobic violence to destabilise the province.

The current crisis marks one of the largest coordinated repatriation efforts by African governments in response to anti-immigrant tensions in South Africa, highlighting growing concerns over the safety of foreign nationals living and working in the country.