Protests and clashes broke out in South Africa on Thursday, October 8, 2026, as xenophobic groups demonstrated against undocumented migrants in Durban and Johannesburg. The protests, led by movements targeting undocumented migrants, were sparked by a court order that requires the government to restart processing asylum applications. The demonstrations turned violent in Soweto, Johannesburg, and Durban, with several cars torched and foreign-run businesses forced to close.
The violence in Durban was triggered by allegations that a foreign national assaulted a South African demonstrator. At least 14 vehicles were burned, and three foreign nationals were arrested, according to police. In Soweto, at least nine vehicles were torched, and there were reports of clashes between foreign nationals and South African nationals. However, no injuries were reported, according to Superintendent Xolani Fihla of the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department.
The court ruling that sparked the protests declared certain provisions of a government act on refugees unconstitutional. The provisions prevented some individuals from accessing the asylum system on procedural grounds, including if they entered the country irregularly. The ruling led hundreds of people to flock to government refugee centres in recent days, reportedly including people who do not qualify for asylum.
The South African government stressed on Wednesday that the court judgement "does not grant refugee status or permanent residence automatically to anyone who enters South Africa". However, the government has faced criticism for its handling of the migration issue, with populist, anti-immigrant groups demanding that undocumented foreign nationals leave South Africa by June 30. The protests led tens of thousands to flee, with some repatriated by their governments.
The violence and protests have raised concerns about the safety of foreign nationals in South Africa. Many migrants have sought protection from security reinforcements, and some have been forced to flee their homes and businesses. The situation remains volatile, with tensions between South African nationals and foreign nationals running high.
The anti-migrant groups behind the protests have been vocal in their demands for the government to take action against undocumented migrants. However, human rights groups have criticized the groups for their violent tactics and xenophobic rhetoric. The government has faced pressure to find a solution to the migration issue, which has been a contentious topic in South Africa for years.
The situation in South Africa remains uncertain, with the government facing challenges in addressing the migration issue. The court ruling has added to the complexity of the issue, and it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the protests and violence. The safety of foreign nationals and the need for a peaceful resolution to the crisis are paramount.
Key points
- A court ruling requiring the government to restart processing asylum applications sparked the protests and violence.
- The protests and violence have resulted in the displacement of tens of thousands of foreign nationals.
- The situation remains volatile, with tensions between South African nationals and foreign nationals running high.
