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Anti-immigrant march in SA sparks xenophobic attack fears
4 hrs ago |
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Foreign nationals in South Africa, particularly Zimbabweans, are expressing growing fear following a planned nationwide shutdown and anti-immigrant march scheduled for May 4 by a group calling itself "Concerned Citizens of South Africa."
The group, in a notice signed by Zwelethu Buthelezi, issued demands calling for the removal of all foreign nationals—both documented and undocumented—within an ultimatum of between 48 hours and 14 working days.
The notice was addressed to senior government and state institutions, including President Cyril Ramaphosa, the African National Congress leadership, the Department of Home Affairs, police, the military and the Constitutional Court.
It warned that if authorities fail to act, "we will remove these foreigners ourselves," adding that "no one will be blamed or arrested."
The march is expected to begin at Mary Fitzgerald Square in Johannesburg, with organisers accusing foreign nationals of benefiting unfairly from South Africa's economy.
"Foreigners are benefiting by living a luxurious life in our country," the statement read.
The rhetoric has triggered alarm among migrant communities and rights organisations, who warn it could inflame tensions.
Zimbabweans—one of the largest migrant groups in South Africa—have expressed deep concern over their safety as the planned action approaches.
Chairperson of the African Development Consortium, Butholezwe Nyathi, said migrants were feeling vulnerable and anxious about possible violence.
Educationist Nkosilathi Ncube said fear is spreading rapidly within communities, while informal traders in Johannesburg say uncertainty is affecting both livelihoods and safety.
Legal experts have cautioned that any attempt to forcibly remove individuals outside of lawful immigration processes would be illegal.
South Africa has experienced repeated waves of xenophobic violence in past years, often affecting migrants from Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Somalia, resulting in deaths, displacement and widespread property damage.
Authorities have not yet issued a formal response to the planned march, but concerns remain high as the date approaches.
The group, in a notice signed by Zwelethu Buthelezi, issued demands calling for the removal of all foreign nationals—both documented and undocumented—within an ultimatum of between 48 hours and 14 working days.
The notice was addressed to senior government and state institutions, including President Cyril Ramaphosa, the African National Congress leadership, the Department of Home Affairs, police, the military and the Constitutional Court.
It warned that if authorities fail to act, "we will remove these foreigners ourselves," adding that "no one will be blamed or arrested."
The march is expected to begin at Mary Fitzgerald Square in Johannesburg, with organisers accusing foreign nationals of benefiting unfairly from South Africa's economy.
"Foreigners are benefiting by living a luxurious life in our country," the statement read.
Zimbabweans—one of the largest migrant groups in South Africa—have expressed deep concern over their safety as the planned action approaches.
Chairperson of the African Development Consortium, Butholezwe Nyathi, said migrants were feeling vulnerable and anxious about possible violence.
Educationist Nkosilathi Ncube said fear is spreading rapidly within communities, while informal traders in Johannesburg say uncertainty is affecting both livelihoods and safety.
Legal experts have cautioned that any attempt to forcibly remove individuals outside of lawful immigration processes would be illegal.
South Africa has experienced repeated waves of xenophobic violence in past years, often affecting migrants from Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Somalia, resulting in deaths, displacement and widespread property damage.
Authorities have not yet issued a formal response to the planned march, but concerns remain high as the date approaches.
Source - newsday
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