Omanghana
South African anti-immigration demonstrators led by the activist movement March and March have given undocumented migrants until September 30 to leave the country.
The ultimatum follows several protests outside Department of Home Affairs offices and demonstrations connected to regional diplomatic events, including the Southern African Development Community summit in Durban.
March and March leader Sphelele Shinga said the deadline would mark the beginning of a “second wave” of mobilization following nationwide actions held on June 30.
Organizers claim that as many as 1.5 million people could participate in future demonstrations if the government fails to begin large-scale deportations of undocumented migrants.
Some of the protests have centered on Home Affairs offices in Durban, where dozens of displaced foreign nationals and refugees have reportedly been sleeping on the streets under difficult conditions.
Their situation has been attributed to delays in official plans to relocate them to Gauteng province, leaving many without adequate shelter and support.
The ultimatum has drawn strong criticism from human rights campaigners and peace activists who fear that hostile public rhetoric could fuel xenophobic intimidation and violence.
Former South African lawmaker Ela Gandhi, the granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi, was among those who joined displaced migrants during the demonstrations. She condemned the targeting of foreigners and called for an end to the use of migrants as scapegoats for the country’s social and economic challenges.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has also addressed growing anti-foreigner sentiment during regional engagements. He warned against attempts by members of the public to exclude people from communities and services through street-level actions.
Ramaphosa urged South Africans to respect human rights while maintaining that the government would continue enforcing the country’s immigration laws.
The escalating tensions have renewed debate over undocumented migration, public safety, unemployment and the responsibility of state institutions to enforce immigration regulations without encouraging discrimination or violence against foreign nationals.
Source: Omanghana
