Thousands of people have taken part in demonstrations across South Africa calling for tougher action against undocumented migrants, in what some accounts describe as the largest anti-immigration mobilisation in recent years.
The rallies, which took place in cities including Johannesburg and Durban, were organised by citizen-led groups demanding that migrants without legal status leave the country. Organisers insist the campaign is about law enforcement and social stability, not xenophobia.
Some protesters set informal deadlines for migrants to leave, while others warned of continued pressure on authorities if demands are not met. Reports from the protests also indicated isolated clashes, including stone-throwing and looting in some areas, with security forces deployed to prevent further escalation.
Against this backdrop, Africanews Debates asked a central question: Is South Africa still safe for African migrants?
‘Fear remains widespread’
