Johannesburg, South Africa — As South Africa braces for nationwide anti-immigrant marches scheduled for June 30, the leader of the anti-illegal immigrant group, March and March, has emphasized the peaceful nature of the movement. Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, addressing the media, attributed any potential lawlessness to the failure of state policing and border control, rather than the intentions of the group she leads.
The group has imposed an end — of-the-month deadline for undocumented foreigners to “self-deport, “a move that has spurred an exodus of thousands from nations such as Ghana, Nigeria, Malawi, and Mozambique. Despite the ultimatum lacking legal backing, the group’s stance has been met with a mix of concern and defiance. Ngobese-Zuma dismissed accusations of hate, stating that the movement’s focus is on returning undocumented immigrants to their countries to alleviate resource strain on South Africa’s poor and vulnerable populations.
She cited the country’s high unemployment rate, which stands above 30 per cent, as a driving factor behind the group’s demands. Despite the group’s claims of peaceful intent, reports of violence linked to anti-foreigner tensions have been on the rise.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has been deployed to maintain order ahead of the marches, while fears of a repeat of past bloodshed have mounted.
The situation is further complicated by the upcoming local government elections, where President Cyril Ramaphosa’s ANC party is expected to face challenges following its loss of national majority in 2024.
The immigration debate has become a focal point in the political discourse, with some viewing it as a legitimate concern over jobs and crime, while others argue it is rooted in xenophobia.
As South Africa prepares for the marches, the world watches to see how the nation will navigate the delicate balance between enforcing immigration laws and respecting the rights of its citizens and residents.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africanews
Source: Rédaction Africanews
