South Africa: Protesters Demand More Deportations of Immigrants

Hundreds of people demonstrated in the South African city of Durban on Wednesday, protesting illegal immigration and urging the government to intensify deportations. The protest, led by the March by March group, follows a Sept. 30 deadline they had set for undocumented immigrants to leave the country, a deadline not recognized by authorities.

Participants, some carrying traditional Zulu weapons and singing cultural songs, marched through Durban's streets. Police reported no incidents of violence against foreigners during the demonstration. This protest is the latest in a series of demonstrations over recent months, some of which have led to diplomatic tensions between South Africa and other African nations.

South African authorities have reported deporting thousands of foreigners who were in the country illegally in recent months. Earlier in October, Nigeria's parliament indefinitely suspended official engagements with South Africa due to the ongoing immigration tensions.

For years, South Africa has been a destination for individuals seeking economic opportunities from across the continent. However, many citizens attribute the country's high unemployment, crime rates, and strain on public services to the presence of migrants.

Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, leader of March and March, stated that the demonstrations aim to highlight concerns about porous borders and overstretched resources. "The message we are sending today is that people are getting really, really fed up," she said. "We also hope that our government will take the cries of the people seriously, instead of trying to look good to the international world."

Protesters also linked the demonstration to outrage over femicide and gender-based violence in the country, issues that have gained prominence following the recent killings of at least 11 women in Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg.