JOHANNESBURG
Hundreds marched through Johannesburg on Wednesday to demand that the government deport illegal immigrants as several shops closed their doors, fearing they could be looted.
The demonstration organized by the March and March movement, which is supported by some political parties and civil society organizations, has held several similar demonstrations across the country this month.
They are demanding the government tighten migration laws and deport undocumented immigrants, whom they accuse of committing crimes and crowding social services such as schools and hospitals.
The March and March also accuse undocumented migrants of accepting low wages, which are pushing South Africans out of employment. According to official figures, 31.9% of the nation’s population of 60 million is unemployed.
“All illegal foreigners and police officers who are corrupt (shielding them) must be banished from this country. If political parties have failed to liberate us, we will liberate ourselves as civil society organizations,” Ngizwe Mchunu, leader of the March and March movement, told demonstrators.
Demonstrators marched through Johannesburg to the provincial legislature, where they handed demands to Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi.
The group marched on Tuesday through the streets of the national capital of Pretoria to the Union Buildings, the official seat of the government. to demand action against illegal migrants.
Since the end of apartheid in 1994, thousands of African and Asian migrants have flocked to Africa’s most industrialized economy, seeking work, business, education and asylum.
“As a country, we have reached a stage where foreigners have disrespected us. This is our only country. Can you imagine if we lose this country to foreigners? Can you imagine people coming from as far as Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nigeria?” said Herman Mashaba, president of the ActionSA political party.
The number of illegal foreign nationals living in South Africa remains unclear, but some anti-immigrant groups estimate it could be more than 3 million.
The government responded Wednesday to the increasing anti-immigrant marches, saying it is committed to safeguarding the country’s sovereignty, security and rule of law.
“Government is strengthening measures to address illegal immigration, including tightening border controls to combat unlawful entry, and illicit trade,’’ spokesman William Baloyi said on national television SABC.
