South Africa vows firm response to anti-migrant violence ahead of planned marches
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa stated on Thursday that his government would not tolerate any attempts to destabilize the nation during planned anti-immigrant marches next week. Citizen-led groups have set June 30 as a deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave and have called for nationwide marches against illegal immigration. This unofficial ultimatum has raised fears of renewed xenophobic violence. President Ramaphosa indicated that security forces are prepared, and those who violate measures will face legal consequences. Police have announced increased security for June 30, and government officials are working to ensure calm, including engaging with the Zulu Royal House. The country has experienced weeks of xenophobic unrest, resulting in at least three deaths according to official sources, with Mozambican authorities reporting five of their nationals among the deceased. The anti-migrant campaign has led to voluntary repatriations of thousands of foreigners from various African countries, including Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, and Nigeria. Makeshift camps have emerged in Durban and Johannesburg as people await transport home, prompting aid groups to warn of a deepening humanitarian crisis. South Africa, one of Africa's largest economies, is a destination for job seekers despite its 32 percent unemployment rate. Competition for jobs has fueled resentment, with some South Africans blaming migrants for poverty and crime. While President Ramaphosa and major labor uni
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