Hundreds marched through Johannesburg on Wednesday to demand that the government deports illegal immigrants as several shops closed their doors, fearing they could be looted.
The demonstration was organized by the March and March movement, which has held several similar demonstrations across the country this month.
They are demanding that the government tightens migration laws and deports undocumented immigrants, whom they accuse of taking jobs and crowding social services such as schools and hospitals.
According to official figures, 31.9% of the nation’s population of 60 million is unemployed.
Attracting migrants
Africa’s most industrialized economy has been attracting migrants who are seeking work, business, education and asylum.
The number of illegal foreign nationals living in South Africa remains unclear, but some anti-immigrant groups estimate it could be more than 3 million.
Demonstrators marched through Johannesburg to the provincial legislature, where they handed demands to Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi.
The group had a day earlier marched through the streets of the national capital of Pretoria to the Union Buildings, the official seat of the government. to demand action against illegal migrants.
Government’s response
The government responded Wednesday to the increasing anti-immigrant marches, saying it is committed to safeguarding the country’s sovereignty, security and rule of law.
“Government is strengthening measures to address illegal immigration, including tightening border controls to combat unlawful entry, and illicit trade,’’ spokesman William Baloyi said on national television SABC.
