Thousands of people have taken to the streets in some of South Africa’s biggest cities in protests against immigration, reflecting long-standing tensions over foreign nationals living in the country.
The demonstrations saw large crowds marching through urban centres as protesters voiced anger over what they describe as the impact of illegal immigration on daily life.
They accused undocumented migrants of taking jobs and placing additional pressure on healthcare services, housing, and other public services.
Xenophobic sentiment in South Africa is not new. It has surfaced repeatedly since the end of apartheid in 1994, often flaring during periods of high unemployment, inequality, and frustration over slow delivery of public services.
One of the most severe outbreaks occurred in 2008, when violent attacks on foreign nationals left dozens dead and forced thousands to flee their homes.
Similar waves of violence were recorded in 2015 and 2019, often triggered by economic hardship and competition for scarce jobs.
Analysts have linked the recurring tensions to structural issues in the economy, including high youth unemployment, poverty, and uneven access to housing and basic services.
In such conditions, migrants,.particularly those from other African countries, are sometimes blamed for wider systemic challenges, even though studies have repeatedly shown that immigration plays a limited role in job scarcity compared to broader economic constraints.
The protests this week reflect renewed public frustration over employment and access to state resources, issues that remain highly sensitive in parts of the country.
Authorities have in the past warned that misinformation and political rhetoric can inflame tensions and increase the risk of violence.
Sky’s Africa correspondent Yousra Elbagir, reporting from central Johannesburg, witnessed a tense moment during the demonstrations when a man was tasered by a protester, underscoring the volatility that can accompany such gatherings.
