JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA β Dozens of anti-illegal immigration protesters marched through a township outside Johannesburg on Monday, a day after South African President Cyril Ramaphosa issued a stern warning against vigilante groups accused of fueling xenophobic violence across the country.
The demonstration took place in Kwa-Thema, southeast of Johannesburg, where protesters chanted slogans and called on the government to intensify efforts against illegal immigration. The march remained largely peaceful, although some participants were seen carrying sticks as they moved through the township.
The protest comes amid growing tensions over immigration in South Africa, where anti-migrant sentiment has intensified in recent months. Several groups have demanded stronger enforcement of immigration laws and have called for undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country by the end of June.
In a nationally televised address on Sunday, President Ramaphosa acknowledged public concerns about illegal immigration but warned that only authorized state institutions have the power to enforce the law. He condemned acts of vigilantism, xenophobia, and violence, pledging government action against individuals and organizations exploiting immigration concerns for political or criminal purposes.
"We will and must not allow groups to use the legitimate concerns of South Africans to destabilize our country through inciting lawlessness and violence," Ramaphosa said during the address. The president also announced plans to strengthen border management, improve immigration enforcement, and accelerate reforms aimed at addressing illegal migration.
The protests are taking place against the backdrop of South Africa's economic challenges, including high unemployment and pressure on public services. Many anti-immigration campaigners argue that undocumented migration contributes to job scarcity and strains healthcare, housing, and education systems.
However, human rights organizations and regional governments have expressed concern over the rise in xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals. Recent incidents of violence have reportedly led to deaths, property destruction, and the displacement of hundreds of migrants, particularly from neighboring countries such as Mozambique, Malawi, Ghana, and Nigeria. Several governments have begun repatriating affected citizens amid growing fears for their safety.
South Africa, Africa's most industrialized economy, remains a major destination for migrants seeking employment and economic opportunities. Yet recurring outbreaks of anti-migrant violence have continued to challenge social cohesion and strain diplomatic relations with neighboring countries.
As authorities seek to balance stricter immigration controls with the protection of human rights, analysts warn that the coming weeks could prove critical. With anti-migrant groups vowing to continue their campaign and the government promising a crackdown on both illegal immigration and vigilante violence, tensions remain high across several parts of the country.
