Violent protests erupted in South Africa on Thursday, with at least 24 vehicles set ablaze and foreign-owned shops looted in two major cities. The protests, which began as demonstrations against immigration, turned violent in Soweto, a township outside Johannesburg, and Durban, a major port on the east coast. Police reported that clashes broke out between foreign nationals and South African nationals, resulting in the destruction of property.
The violence comes amid growing anger over a court ruling requiring the government to remove barriers that had prevented some migrants from applying for asylum. The ruling, made by South Africa's Constitutional Court in July, struck down restrictions preventing some people from seeking asylum because of how they entered the country or missed immigration deadlines. This has prompted hundreds of people to gather at refugee reception centres, fuelling anger among anti-immigration campaigners.
In Durban, protesters gathered outside a government refugee reception centre, demanding that it stop accepting asylum applications. Police fired rubber bullets to disperse crowds as businesses in the city centre shut their doors. Senior local police officer Xolani Fihla reported that there were clashes between foreign nationals and South African nationals, but no injuries had been reported.
Three foreign nationals were arrested in connection with an alleged assault on a protester in Durban, police said. The protesters forced foreign traders out of some areas, while shops were attacked and a building was set on fire in Orlando West, a neighbourhood of Soweto. Police deployed reinforcements to prevent further violence, and the authorities have promised to pursue those responsible for the destruction.
The government has denied that the court ruling automatically grants migrants refugee status or the right to remain permanently in South Africa. Government spokesman William Baloyi said people had deliberately spread false claims about the judgment, creating the impression that undocumented migrants would automatically be granted legal status. He insisted that applications would still be assessed individually and applicants would remain subject to immigration checks.
South Africa has struggled with xenophobic attacks for nearly two decades. In 2008, more than 60 people were killed and tens of thousands displaced during widespread attacks on foreign nationals. The latest unrest comes against a backdrop of widespread poverty, deep inequality, and unemployment affecting roughly a third of the workforce. Migrants are frequently accused of taking jobs, contributing to crime, and placing pressure on public services.
Despite its economic difficulties, South Africa remains one of the continent's main destinations for migrants seeking employment, safety, and better opportunities. The authorities have condemned the violence and promised to take action against those responsible. Acting national police commissioner Lt Gen Puleng Dimpane condemned the destruction of property, and police said they would work to prevent further violence and maintain order.
Key points
- At least 24 vehicles were torched and foreign-owned shops looted during the protests
- The protests were sparked by a court ruling allowing migrants to apply for asylum
- South Africa has struggled with xenophobic attacks for nearly two decades
