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Thousands of protesters marched through South Africa's cities, including Durban and Pretoria, demanding that undocumented foreign nationals leave the country. The protests, led by the March and March movement, have been ongoing since June, with protesters setting an unofficial deadline of June 30 for undocumented immigrants to self-deport.
More than 20 civic organisations, including the March and March movement, called for undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa. Organisers, including leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, maintained their demand that undocumented immigrants leave the country, despite repeated government calls for calm.
Acting Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia said the government spent R600 million on security measures for the nationwide protests. A heavy police presence, supported by private security companies and other law enforcement agencies, was deployed across the country to maintain order during the demonstrations.
The protests turned violent, with incidents of looting and shootings reported in some areas. Several people were injured during the unrest and taken to hospital.
Immigration expert Dr Gideon Chitinga said the protests had succeeded in amplifying the national conversation around immigration. He called for the government to establish dialogue platforms with both documented and undocumented immigrant communities to identify opportunities for immigrants and South Africans to contribute to the economy together.
An immigration expert says South Africa should create dialogue platforms with both documented and undocumented immigrant communities to better understand the causes of migration and develop lasting solutions. The South African government should engage both documented and undocumented immigrant communities through structured dialogue to better understand the drivers of migration and identify opportunities for immigrants and South Africans to contribute to the economy together.
Thousands of protesters march through Durban during nationwide demonstrations calling for the removal of undocumented immigrants from South Africa.
Protesters argue that undocumented immigrants are taking jobs from South Africans, placing pressure on healthcare services and schools, and failing to contribute to the economy through taxes.
Speaking to IOL News, Chitinga said the immigration debate is shaped by two distinct issues. One is the noise around immigration, with social media amplifying the debate and complicating the conversation.
He reiterated that government should establish dialogue platforms with communities of both documented and undocumented immigrants. These communities have a deeper understanding of what is happening within their own neighbourhoods and the sectors they work in.
The external drivers of irregular migration and improving the efficiency of institutions responsible for processing immigration into South Africa must be addressed. Diplomatic relations, regional trade, and regional integration are also important, and any deterioration in those relationships could significantly affect trade and harm South Africa's economy.
The South African government should also focus on the structural issues driving irregular migration, including the economic conditions in neighbouring countries and the lack of opportunities for young people.
Chitinga said the immigration debate is shaped by two distinct issues. One is the noise around immigration, with social media amplifying the debate and complicating the conversation.
The March and March movement has announced that it will continue staging weekly protests until the government removes undocumented immigrants from South Africa.
The protests, which have been ongoing since June, have led to a significant shift in the national conversation around immigration.
Protesters argue that undocumented immigrants are taking jobs from South Africans, placing pressure on healthcare services and schools, and failing to contribute to the economy through taxes.
The South African government should establish dialogue platforms with communities of both documented and undocumented immigrants to identify opportunities for immigrants and South Africans to contribute to the economy together.
Chitinga said the immigration debate is shaped by two distinct issues. One is the noise around immigration, with social media amplifying the debate and complicating the conversation.
The external drivers of irregular migration and improving the efficiency of institutions responsible for processing immigration into South Africa must be addressed.
Protesters argue that undocumented immigrants are taking jobs from South Africans, placing pressure on healthcare services and schools, and failing to contribute to the economy through taxes.
The protests have turned violent, with incidents of looting and shootings reported in some areas.
The South African government should also focus on the structural issues driving irregular migration, including the economic conditions in neighbouring countries and the lack of opportunities for young people.
The protests, which have been ongoing since June, have led to a significant shift in the national conversation around immigration.
Protesters are calling for the government to remove undocumented immigrants from South Africa.