A growing anti-immigration movement in South Africa is gaining momentum ahead of November’s local elections. Hundreds of protesters recently marched in Kwa-Thema, blaming undocumented immigrants for unemployment and pressure on resources.
Bare-chested and wearing traditional headgear and armbands, Phakela Ndabandaba led several hundred South African men in a Zulu war cry directed at undocumented immigrants.
"We are ready to act," they chanted on Monday -- many carrying sticks, whips and shields -- at one of the largest protests in months demanding the departure of foreigners with no papers.
The imposing Ndabandaba is emerging as the face of a swelling nationwide protest movement spearheaded by various citizen-led fringe groups that is stirring up the hot-button issue in South Africa ahead of local elections in November.
That so many attended the latest protest at Kwa-Thema near Johannesburg during the work week should be a worry for the authorities, Ndabandaba said.
