Thousands march in South Africa demanding departure of undocumented foreign nationals
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Thousands of people marched across South Africa on Tuesday, demanding the departure of undocumented foreign nationals following a weeks-long campaign that has led to thousands fleeing and four deaths. Police were present nationwide for the protests, which culminated demonstrations by citizen-led groups that had set an unofficial June 30 deadline for foreigners without papers to leave. Isolated incidents, including stone-throwing and confrontations, occurred near Johannesburg, where security forces escorted some foreign nationals away from a mob. Several arrests were made for looting, and soldiers were deployed in Johannesburg and Durban overnight. Demonstrators, some brandishing sticks and flags, moved through central Johannesburg, while in Durban, protesters wore traditional warrior attire. One demonstrator, Brightness Gumbi, expressed frustration over foreign nationals running businesses while she could not afford rent, alleging they sell drugs. South Africa, a magnet for migrant labor, faces an unemployment rate above 30 percent, high crime, and service breakdowns. Groups against illegal immigrants accuse them of taking jobs and services, a claim analysts attribute to scapegoating foreign nationals for government failures. Police reported that at least two Mozambicans, an Ethiopian, and a Malawian have been killed in recent weeks. A foreign national was found dead in Durban after allegedly jumping from a building, fearing pursuit. Several African governments, including Nig
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NBA superstar LeBron James will return for his 24th season, but not with the Los Angeles Lakers, a move confirmed by Lakers co-owner Jeanie Buss. James, the league's all-time leading scorer, expressed his honor in wearing the Lakers' purple and gold, hoping he made fans proud during his eight years with the team. Buss acknowledged James as one of history's greatest athletes, thanking him for his contributions, including leading the Lakers to their 17th title in 2020. James joined the Lakers in 2018 and also broke the league's all-time scoring record during his tenure. His agent, Rich Paul, informed ESPN that James had notified the Lakers of his decision as a courtesy before free agency began. James has been linked to possible returns to Cleveland or Miami, or a move to join Stephen Curry on the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors are reportedly looking to assemble a roster of veteran superstars, potentially including James's former Lakers teammate Anthony Davis. James's 23rd campaign saw him average 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists in the regular season, and 23.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 7.3 assists in the playoffs, leading the Lakers to a first-round victory. He also realized his dream of playing alongside his son, Bronny James, after the Lakers drafted him in 2024. Luka Doncic, acknowledged as a new lynchpin for the Lakers, also bid farewell to James on Instagram.
Must ReadSerena Williams' return to Wimbledon singles after four years ended in a 6-3, 6-7 6/8, 6-3 defeat against Australia's Maya Joint. The 44-year-old, a seven-time Wimbledon champion, was the second-oldest player in the women's singles in the Open era. Williams saved two match points in the second set, extending the match to two hours and 22 minutes. Although she led by a break in the deciding set, Joint ultimately secured the victory. Williams is also competing in the doubles with her sister Venus.
The National Emergency Management Agency NEMA has received 123 Nigerian returnees from Algeria as part of the Assisted Voluntary Return AVR Programme. The returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos, on Monday aboard a Nesma Airlines flight. This initiative, facilitated by the International Organization for Migration IOM in collaboration with the Federal Government of Nigeria, aims to ensure the safe and dignified return of distressed Nigerians. The group comprised 121 adults, including 112 males and nine females, one female child, and one male infant. Upon arrival, officials from the Nigeria Immigration Service NIS conducted biometric registration and documentation to aid record-keeping and the reintegration process. NEMA, in coordination with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons NCFRMI and other government agencies, provided immediate humanitarian assistance. This support included food, potable water, medical screening, ambulance services, luggage handling, logistics support, and reception and counseling services to facilitate their smooth reintegration into society. NEMA emphasized its ongoing commitment to coordinating humanitarian interventions and collaborating with partners to ensure the safe and dignified return of vulnerable Nigerians.