South African Immigration Crisis: Protests and Government Response

In Johannesburg, over 160,000 undocumented immigrants have fled South Africa following mass protests by citizens demanding their departure. Many South Africans express frustration with their government, citing poor border control and inaction. One local group claims there may be as many as 30 million undocumented immigrants in the nation, which has a documented population of around 63 million. These immigrants are often accused of contributing to crime, taking jobs, and overwhelming public services such as hospitals and schools.

Groups in locations like Soweto have pressured immigrants by setting deadlines for their departure. Recently, Reuters reported 900 arrests during protests across the country. Although the protests were largely peaceful, police were called to disperse violent demonstrators in some areas. One person was killed in the Johannesburg area.

Numerous immigrants have taken buses and returned home or been repatriated on flights arranged by their countries. For instance, on a flight to Ghana in June, officials found 321 out of 332 passengers at the airport were illegal immigrants. Tragically, protesters have killed at least five immigrants this year. However, the chief organization leading the protests, the March and March Movement, publicly condemns violence. Members often carry traditional sticks, known as knobkerries, to encourage foreigners to leave.

Leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma asserts that the number of illegal immigrants ranges between 15 to 30 million. Official figures, from a 2022 census by Statistics SA, put the number of immigrants at up to three million, but these figures are disputed. Ngobese-Zuma states that the census counts only those with legal documentation.

Statistics SA head Risenga Maluleke admitted that officials accept self-reported data from immigrants without verifying it, acknowledging a lack of resources for a thorough check. Ngobese-Zuma claims the country faces an invasion, with crime often perpetrated by undocumented immigrants who remain untraceable without records or fingerprints in official systems.

South Africa’s unemployment rate is officially reported at 32.7%. Yet, many undocumented immigrants have found work. President Cyril Ramaphosa admitted in a national address that some employers hire them at below minimum wages, exploiting their status.

March and March’s Ngobese-Zuma emphasizes that in a country with high unemployment, prioritizing South African citizens for jobs is crucial. Reports indicate overcrowding in public healthcare facilities, with patients waiting for extended periods. In at least one case, a patient died at Helen Joseph hospital, allegedly due to such delays.

Protests led by March and March call on the government to implement stricter immigration measures. The organization plans regular demonstrations to pressure authorities into action amid broader discussions on border security and immigration policy.

Pervasive corruption and lax border controls allow many to enter South Africa. Rivers serve as informal entry points, with crocodiles presenting a bigger threat than law enforcement. In response to public pressure, and with impending local elections, the government claims to have processed 53,449 foreign nationals for deportation and repatriation.

However, this represents less than 0.2% of those said to be in the country illegally. The Action SA party, led by Herman Mashaba, has criticized the ANC government’s lack of decisive action over three decades. Mashaba emphasizes the need for comprehensive mass deportations and strengthened immigration enforcement.

Frans Cronje, of the Yorktown Foundation for Freedom, notes a shift in public sentiment against the government’s immigration stance. Polls reveal 23% of South Africans view unemployment as the most pressing issue, followed by immigration at 11.7%. Black South Africans are significantly more likely than their white counterparts to view immigration as a problem.

Responding to activist actions, Ngobese-Zuma argues it is the government’s responsibility to address community concerns and remove undocumented immigrants. Citing government complacency, she highlights issues beyond immigration, including crime.

Protests have previously turned violent, with 62 killed in 2008 and at least five in 2015. Ngobese-Zuma declared, “We don’t care which country accuses us of xenophobia; we’ve had enough.”

Fox News Digital did not receive a response from the South African government on these issues.