Violent protests erupted in South Africa's major cities, Johannesburg and Durban, as anti-immigration demonstrations turned ugly. At least 24 vehicles were set ablaze and foreign-owned shops were looted, police reported. The clashes occurred in Soweto, a sprawling township outside Johannesburg, and Durban, a major port on the east coast. The violence was sparked by growing anger over a court ruling that requires the government to remove barriers preventing some migrants from applying for asylum.
The protests were triggered by a court ruling in July by South Africa's Constitutional Court, which struck down restrictions preventing some people from seeking asylum. The judgment means asylum seekers must be allowed to submit applications, even if they entered South Africa without the required documents. This has prompted hundreds of people to gather at refugee reception centres, fuelling anger among anti-immigration campaigners who fear the decision will encourage undocumented migration.
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. According to senior local police officer Xolani Fihla, there were clashes between foreign nationals and South African nationals. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
The violence in Soweto was more severe, with 10 vehicles torched and gunshots reported during confrontations between residents and foreign shopkeepers. In Orlando West, a neighbourhood of Soweto, residents initially gathered to demand the closure of small convenience stores operated by foreign nationals. Protesters forced foreign traders out of some areas, while shops were attacked and a building was set on fire.
The authorities have condemned the destruction of property and promised to pursue those responsible. Acting national police commissioner Lt Gen Puleng Dimpane expressed concern over the violence. Police said reinforcements had been deployed to prevent further violence. Government spokesman William Baloyi stated that people had deliberately spread false claims about the judgment, creating the impression that undocumented migrants would automatically be granted legal status.
The protests have forced tens of thousands of migrants to flee, with some returning home through repatriation programmes organised by their governments. 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 occurs 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.
Key points
- At least 24 vehicles were torched and foreign-owned shops looted in Johannesburg and Durban.
- The protests were sparked by a court ruling allowing asylum seekers to submit applications.
- The violence has forced tens of thousands of migrants to flee.
