Photo credit: BBC
Hundreds of people held a demonstration against illegal immigration in the South African city of Durban on Wednesday, vowing to intensify their actions against what they say is the government’s failure to deal with the issue.
The Associated Press reports that the crowds, led by March and March group, had set a Sept. 30 deadline for those living illegally in South Africa to leave the country. The government and authorities didn’t recognize the deadline.
With some brandishing traditional Zulu weapons and singing cultural songs, they marched through Durban’s streets. Police didn’t report any incidents of violence against foreigners during the protest.
Wednesday’s demonstration was the latest protest in South Africa over the last few months. There have been reported attacks against some foreign nationals that have led to diplomatic tensions between the South African government and some African nations.
South African authorities have also reported the deportation of foreigners who were in the country illegally in recent months.
Earlier this month, Nigeria’s parliament indefinitely suspended official visits and engagements with South Africa over the immigration tensions.
For years, South Africa has attracted foreign nationals seeking economic opportunities from across the continent, including from nearby countries Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Mozambique and Malawi, and as far away as Nigeria, Ghana, and Ethiopia.
Many blame migrants for the country’s high levels of unemployment, crime and pressure on public services.
