Thousands of South Africans took to the streets of Johannesburg in anti-immigration demonstrations, a day after President Cyril Ramaphosa unveiled new measures aimed at tightening migration controls and strengthening border security.
Local media reported that the protests were held in the East Rand region of Gauteng Province, where demonstrators marched through several communities, chanting slogans and demanding stricter enforcement of immigration laws.
The protesters called on authorities to prioritise job opportunities for South African citizens and address concerns over undocumented migration. Speaking during the demonstration, Bongani Mthethwa, leader of the All Truck Drivers Forum and Allied South Africa, urged employers to give preference to local workers while complying with labour and immigration regulations.
Many participants expressed disappointment with Ramaphosa’s recent national address, arguing that foreign nationals were receiving employment opportunities at the expense of citizens and contributing to increased pressure on public services such as healthcare and education.
Activist Nkosikhona Ndabandaba urged undocumented migrants to regularise their status, setting June 30 as a deadline for compliance. He said the campaign was intended to encourage migrants to return to their home countries, obtain the necessary documentation, and re-enter South Africa through legal channels.
“The June 30 deadline is meant to raise awareness among our brothers and sisters from neighbouring countries. They should return home, regularise their papers and come back legally,” Ndabandaba said.
Recall that during the speech, the president acknowledged weaknesses in migration management and pledged tougher border controls, stronger immigration enforcement, and sanctions against employers who hire undocumented migrants.
He also stressed that immigration laws should be enforced by the relevant authorities and cautioned against vigilantism and attacks on foreign nationals.
Following the protests, South African Police Service spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said security agencies would continue monitoring demonstrations and appealed for all gatherings to remain peaceful.
