DURBAN, South Africa — Protesters in South Africa have given undocumented migrants living in the country until September 30 to leave, raising fears of renewed large-scale demonstrations if their demands are not met.
Weekly protests have continued in Durban, where the anti-immigration movement has gained momentum in recent months.
Movement leader Sphelele Shinga said activists were preparing for a major demonstration on September 30, claiming that as many as 1.5 million people could participate.
“You should know that all the communities are gathering up again,” Shinga said. “They are waking up, they’re standing up for their home, standing up for their country.”
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Shinga said protesters intended to “write another history” on September 30 by demanding that undocumented migrants leave South Africa.
The escalating tensions have also raised concerns over the safety and welfare of migrants and refugees who have been caught up in the dispute.
Princess Adjei, a Ghanaian refugee, said protesters and refugees could not remain on the streets indefinitely because of the dangers involved.
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“We can’t keep sleeping on the streets forever as well. People have died because of sleeping on the street,” Adjei said.
She said the group was waiting for buses while authorities verified their documentation.
Meanwhile, peace activists have rallied in support of the refugees. Among them was Ela Gandhi, a former South African parliamentarian and granddaughter of Indian independence leader Mahatma Gandhi.
Gandhi criticised the rhetoric used by some protesters, arguing that migrants were being unfairly blamed for the country’s problems.
“The rhetoric that these people are using is completely untrue,” Gandhi said. “It’s not the migrants that are causing the problems that they talk about.”
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The September 30 deadline has heightened concerns that Durban could witness another major wave of demonstrations, potentially deepening tensions between anti-immigration activists, migrants and authorities.
The developments come amid a broader debate in South Africa over undocumented immigration, unemployment, access to public services and allegations that foreign nationals are contributing to crime and economic hardship — claims that migrant-rights advocates strongly dispute.
