Civil society groups plan nationwide protests to address housing and xenophobia

More than 60 civil society groups and community organisations across South Africa are preparing to launch a coordinated national protest on August 8.

More than 60 civil society groups and community organisations across South Africa are preparing to launch a coordinated national protest on August 8, targeting rising economic inequality, legislative housing reforms, and xenophobic violence.

Demonstrations are scheduled to take place simultaneously in major urban centres, including Beyers Naudé Square in Johannesburg, Hanover Street in Cape Town, and the Ethekwini Mayor’s Offices in Durban.

A continent-wide vigil is also planned for 8pm Central Africa Time.

Organisers have explicitly framed the planned demonstrations as both a protest against systemic marginalisation and an assertion of constitutional rights.