Full Breakdown
Protesters Demand Deportations as South Africa Prepares for Nationwide Demonstrations
By Drooid · · How we work
The September 30 Demonstration
On September 30, hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets of Durban, led by the activist group March and March. The protesters marched with traditional Zulu weapons and cultural songs, demanding that the government intensify deportations of people they say are residing illegally in South Africa. The group had previously set a deadline for illegal residents to leave the country, and the September 30 rally reiterates that call while adding a new focus on gender-based violence (GBV) and crime. Police reported no incidents of violence against foreigners during the protest.
Background and Context
A similar deadline on June 30 sparked a wave of repatriations after attacks on migrants, prompting several African governments to evacuate their citizens. The June 30 mobilisation drew thousands across the nation and, while largely peaceful, saw isolated looting and clashes. The organization links illegal immigration, crime and gender-based violence, arguing that unchecked migration strains public services and fuels insecurity.
Data and Statistics
- Three Nigerian nationals were killed between mid-September and late September, bringing the total Nigerians killed in South Africa this year to 12 and to 112 since 2022.
- The June 30 protests resulted in more than 900 arrests and at least one protest-related death.
- The government allocated R600 million for peace-keeping around the protests; R306 million had been spent at the time of reporting.
- The economic impact of the June demonstrations included millions of rands in losses, especially for township businesses.
Official Statements & Responses
- Femi Fani-Kayode, Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to South Africa, wrote on X that “Nigeria will protect its nationals,” after confirming the three recent deaths.
- The South African Police Service (SAPS) stated it will maintain normal policing operations during the September 30 demonstrations, focusing on public order and responding to any incidents.
Criticism & Opposition
Nigeria’s diplomatic representatives have condemned the pattern of attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, describing the recent killings as part of a broader targeting. In response, Nigeria’s parliament indefinitely suspended official visits and engagements with South Africa, heightening diplomatic tension over the country’s handling of migrant safety.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We were raising another concern about our porous borders and the fact that we have overstretched resources that are not enough to take care of us,” — Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, the leader of March and March
- “We also hope that our government will take the cries of the people seriously, instead of trying to look good to the international world.” — Durban Protesters
What’s Next
March and March has announced coordinated actions in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Cape Town and other major cities for September 30, combining calls for stricter immigration enforcement with a nationwide appeal to men to protest against GBV and crime. South African authorities have indicated they will continue routine policing throughout the planned demonstrations.
