Keypoints:
- Anti-immigration protests are expanding across South Africa
• Economic hardship and unemployment are fuelling public anger
• Immigration is emerging as a key issue ahead of November elections
A GROWING anti-immigration movement is gaining visibility across South Africa as citizen-led groups mobilise thousands of supporters around concerns over jobs, public services and undocumented migration ahead of November’s local government elections.
The movement’s rapid expansion has elevated immigration into a key election issue as South Africa grapples with persistent unemployment, sluggish economic growth and mounting public frustration. Analysts warn the debate could reshape local politics while increasing pressure on authorities to prevent violence against foreign nationals and maintain social cohesion.
According to AFP reporting, the latest demonstration in Kwa-Thema, east of Johannesburg, drew several hundred protesters, many dressed in traditional attire and carrying sticks, shields and whips. The gathering highlighted the increasing reach of organisations demanding stronger action against undocumented migrants.
Economic frustrations drive mobilisation
At the centre of the movement is activist Nkosikhona Phakel’umthakathi Ndabandaba, who has emerged as one of the most recognisable figures among groups campaigning against undocumented immigration.
Addressing supporters during the protest, Ndabandaba argued that high unemployment and economic hardship are pushing South Africans to demand stronger enforcement of immigration laws.
South Africa continues to face one of the world’s highest unemployment rates, with official figures remaining above 30 percent. For many protesters, the issue of migration has become intertwined with concerns over scarce employment opportunities, housing and public services.
Demonstrators contend that undocumented migrants are competing with citizens for limited economic opportunities. Critics, however, argue that migrants are increasingly being blamed for structural economic challenges that have persisted for years and cannot be attributed solely to immigration.
Several economists have also argued that migrants contribute to South Africa’s economy through entrepreneurship, labour participation and consumer spending, although the impact of undocumented migration remains a subject of political debate.
The growing prominence of these groups reflects broader frustrations among communities struggling with poverty, inequality and weak economic growth.
Rising tensions spark concerns
The movement’s expansion has coincided with reports of intimidation targeting foreign nationals in several communities.
According to AFP, migrants from countries including Malawi, Mozambique and Ghana have reported harassment and threats as anti-immigration sentiment intensifies.
Some foreign nationals have described being confronted by groups demanding that they leave South Africa by June 30, a date frequently circulated on social media despite having no legal or official standing.
The tensions have raised concerns among human rights organisations and regional observers, particularly following the deaths of two Mozambican nationals in incidents linked to recent unrest. The latest flare-up echoes previous episodes that prompted diplomatic concern, including a period when South Africa dispatched envoys to neighbouring countries following attacks on foreign nationals.
In parts of the Western Cape, foreign nationals have reportedly sought refuge in community facilities while awaiting assistance from their governments.
Authorities say many of those returning home lacked the necessary documentation to remain in South Africa legally, although the broader circumstances surrounding departures vary.
Regional implications beyond South Africa
The resurgence of anti-migrant sentiment is being closely watched across Southern Africa, where labour migration has long linked economies and communities. Countries including Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Malawi have historically supplied workers to South Africa’s mining, agricultural and service sectors.
Recent repatriation efforts by Ghana, Malawi and Mozambique highlight growing concern among neighbouring governments about the safety and welfare of their citizens. The issue has already drawn regional attention, with Ghana previously urging the African Union to address xenophobic attacks in South Africa. Analysts warn that prolonged tensions could place strain on regional cooperation efforts and complicate migration management within the Southern African Development Community.
The issue also raises broader questions about how governments across the region address unemployment, border management and labour mobility while protecting the rights of migrants.
Leaders reject political ambitions
Despite the movement’s growing visibility, several of its leading figures insist they are not pursuing formal political careers.
Ndabandaba has repeatedly stated that the campaign’s objective is to pressure government leaders to address public concerns rather than contest elections.
Similarly, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, founder of the March and March movement, has publicly denied ambitions to enter politics despite speculation about her future role.
March and March gained national attention after organising controversial actions that restricted access to some public health facilities for foreign nationals.
Nevertheless, the movement’s increasing organisational capacity has attracted political interest. The opposition ActionSA party has indicated it would welcome cooperation with Ngobese-Zuma, reflecting the electoral significance of immigration debates.
Election year amplifies debate
The resurgence of anti-immigration activism comes at a sensitive political moment.
The governing ANC is preparing for local elections after suffering a historic setback in the 2024 national vote, when it lost its parliamentary majority for the first time since the end of apartheid.
With the ANC facing voter frustration over unemployment, service delivery failures and slow economic growth, immigration has become an increasingly attractive issue for opposition parties and activist groups seeking to mobilise disaffected communities. Analysts say the issue could feature prominently in local election campaigns across major urban centres where economic pressures are most acute.
South Africa’s immigration debate is also unfolding against the backdrop of tighter government controls on migration. Earlier this year, South Africa unveiled a tougher migration crackdown, signalling growing political pressure on authorities to strengthen border enforcement and address public concerns over undocumented migrants.
Political analysts believe immigration is becoming an increasingly potent electoral issue as parties seek to connect with voters frustrated by economic stagnation and unemployment.
Migration researcher Loren Landau of the African Centre for Migration and Society told AFP that what began as localised protests is evolving into a national movement with significant social media influence and growing political relevance.
Questions also remain about funding sources behind the nationwide mobilisation. Organisers say community contributions and local support finance their activities, but analysts note the scale of recent campaigns has prompted scrutiny over who may be providing additional backing.
A test for South Africa’s democracy
Experts warn that the combination of economic hardship, social frustration and election-year politics creates conditions in which anti-migrant sentiment can escalate rapidly.
Governance specialist Tendai Mbanje described the current environment as one where legitimate socio-economic grievances risk becoming intertwined with populist rhetoric.
Analyst Kingsley Makhubela has also suggested that even if citizen-led protest groups avoid direct alignment with political parties, they may still wield influence over electoral outcomes by shaping public debate.
For South Africa, the challenge will be balancing public concerns about immigration enforcement with constitutional protections, human rights obligations and regional relationships across Southern Africa.
As campaigning intensifies ahead of November’s vote, the debate over undocumented migrants is likely to remain one of the country’s most politically sensitive issues.
