“Police lined major roads, shops shut their doors and thousands of migrants waited anxiously to see whether another day of demonstrations would end peacefully or descend into violence.”
A heavy security operation has been rolled out across South Africa as anti-immigration protests gather momentum following a deadline set by campaigners demanding that undocumented migrants leave the country.
The demonstrations, taking place in Johannesburg, Durban and several other cities, have heightened fears of renewed xenophobic violence in a country with a long history of attacks targeting foreign nationals.
President Cyril Ramaphosa appealed for calm before the marches, urging protesters not to intimidate or threaten anyone while exercising their right to demonstrate.
“Some foreign nationals who live in South Africa are here lawfully.”
In his weekly newsletter, the president reminded citizens that many migrants work, study, raise families and contribute to the country’s economy.
“They work, study, raise families, invest in our economy and contribute positively to our society. They too are entitled to the protection of our laws and our Constitution.”
He also issued a warning against violence.
“The right to protest and freedom of expression does not allow people to threaten or intimidate others, or to engage in acts of vandalism or violence.”
Despite the appeal, police maintained a strong presence in areas expected to attract large crowds.
In central Johannesburg, normally busy streets were noticeably quieter than usual, with many businesses closing for the day as officers patrolled major intersections.
Police confirmed that five people were arrested in Soweto after allegedly looting a foreign-owned shop.
Another five suspects were arrested in Hammarsdale, in KwaZulu-Natal, after allegedly breaking into a tuck shop.
Authorities said they were prepared to respond quickly if violence broke out.
The protests come after campaigners gave undocumented migrants an unofficial deadline to leave South Africa.
According to police, around 25,000 migrants have already been repatriated, most of them returning to other African countries.
Thousands more have been waiting in temporary transit camps over recent weeks, fearing attacks if they remained in their communities.
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One undocumented migrant from Malawi, preparing to leave South Africa, said the decision was painful.
“I’m happy to be going back.”
But he admitted the move came at a high personal cost.
“I’m heartbroken to be leaving behind four young children.”
Another Malawian migrant, Nelson Mbewe, said he travelled to South Africa simply to earn money for his family.
“We’ve faced challenges they’re saying we should go back home because we do not have the right documents.”
He said migrants were frequently called “Makwerekwere,” a derogatory term used against foreigners from other African countries.
“It’s their country, so what can we do? That’s why we have accepted that we just have to go back home.”
Some South Africans taking part in the demonstrations defended the campaign.
One resident of Soweto told the BBC the protesters simply wanted migrants to obey South African immigration laws and believed the strong police presence would help prevent violence.
A member of the anti-immigration movement Operation Dudula said demonstrators expected law enforcement to act if undocumented migrants ignored the deadline.
Meanwhile, Hassan Phiri, another Malawian waiting to return home, appealed for unity instead of division.
“All I want to say to South Africans is that we are all one.”
He added:
“Africa can’t be Africa without South Africa… without Malawi, without anywhere. So whatever will happen, we must love each other and stick together as Africa.”
According to the South African government, the country is home to more than three million documented foreign nationals, while police say about 50,000 undocumented migrants have been arrested since January.
Officials also say more than 12,000 migrants have been deported or repatriated since anti-immigration protests intensified earlier this year, while around 3,500 people have chosen to leave voluntarily.
The demonstrations have revived memories of previous outbreaks of xenophobic violence.
In 2008, attacks targeting foreign nationals left more than 60 people dead, while monitoring groups say xenophobic killings have continued in recent years.
As protests continue, authorities face the challenge of protecting both the right to demonstrate and the safety of thousands of migrants who remain uncertain about what the coming days may bring.
