In Johannesburg, South Africa, over 160,000 illegal immigrants have reportedly left the country amid growing protests from locals demanding their departure. Many South Africans are expressing discontent with the government’s perceived lack of control over borders and the alleged inaction on illegal immigration.
A South African organization suggests there could be up to 30 million illegal immigrants in the country, though official figures show approximately 63 million documented citizens. These undocumented migrants are often blamed for contributing to crime, job scarcity, and overwhelming public services like hospitals and schools.
In some neighborhoods, groups have gone door-to-door, urging immigrants to leave. While most protests are peaceful, some have turned violent, resulting in property damage and one reported fatality.
“We’ve had enough,” said Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, leader of the March and March movement, referring to the challenges posed by illegal immigration.
The controversial figure of 30 million immigrants is debated, with Statistics South Africa claiming far fewer. Critics question the reliability of these statistics, citing the body’s government affiliations. The official count lists roughly three million immigrants, including those with documents.
Many immigrants flee upon requests for documentation, and Stats SA head Risenga Maluleke has admitted that verifying immigrant status is often challenging.
South Africa’s unemployment rate is officially 32.7%. However, illegal immigrants find work due to employers exploiting their undocumented status for cheap labor, as noted by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Public health services face strain, with long waits at hospitals as undocumented migrants seek care. The Helen Joseph hospital has reported fatalities due to these delays.
Groups like March and March continue to push for stringent immigration policies, advocating for mass deportations. Internal pressures are building for the ANC government to take decisive action as elections approach.
Action SA, led by Herman Mashaba, criticizes the existing policies, blaming the ruling party for failing over three decades to secure borders effectively.
Public sentiment is shifting, as highlighted by a poll indicating that after unemployment, immigration is a significant concern. Black South Africans, who make up 82% of the population, express more concern about immigration than their white counterparts. The fear of job loss and crime remains high among locals.
Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma emphasizes that community discontent stems from what they see as government complacency. The March and March movement remains defiant despite accusations of xenophobia, maintaining they are defending their country’s interests.
A request for government comment went unanswered.
Veteran journalist Paul Tilsley, based in Johannesburg, contributed to this report.
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