Anti-Migrant Protesters March On SADC Summit In South Africa, Demand Foreigners Leave

Nearly 300 anti-migrant protesters marched toward the Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit in Durban on Monday, demanding that neighbouring countries take back their citizens living in South Africa.

The demonstration, held under heavy police presence, was organised by one of the anti-immigrant groups linked to weeks of protests and violence that forced thousands of foreign nationals to leave the country.

Protesters gathered near the Durban International Convention Centre, where leaders from 16 SADC member states were attending the regional summit.

March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma told demonstrators that their message to neighbouring governments was to “fetch your people who are here in South Africa illegally.”

She specifically mentioned Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, whose citizens reportedly accounted for a large proportion of the estimated 176,000 foreign nationals who left South Africa as the unrest intensified.

Ramaphosa Condemns Treatment of Migrants

The protest came as South African President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged growing concerns over the treatment of foreign nationals in the country.

Speaking at a public lecture on the sidelines of the SADC summit, Ramaphosa said his government was “deeply concerned and ashamed” that citizens of other countries had been subjected to discrimination and mistreatment in recent months.

South African police have reported that at least four migrants were killed during the violence, although some foreign governments have cited higher figures.

The handling of the unrest has also attracted criticism from other African countries, including Nigeria and Ghana.

Unemployment Fuels Tensions

South Africa has long been a major destination for migrants from across Africa because of its relatively large economy and employment opportunities.

However, the country continues to struggle with an unemployment rate exceeding 30% and severe economic inequality.

Anti-migrant groups have increasingly blamed foreign nationals for some of the country’s economic and social challenges, particularly unemployment and pressure on public services.

The government has rejected violence and discrimination against migrants and has called for peaceful solutions to the country’s migration challenges.

South Africa Calls For Continental Migration Talks

South Africa assumed the rotating chairmanship of SADC during the summit and has proposed an Africa-wide conference to address migration.

The proposed dialogue is expected to focus on the movement of people across African borders and the challenges faced by both host countries and migrants.

The latest demonstration, however, highlights the deep tensions surrounding migration in South Africa as regional leaders seek greater cooperation on the issue.