South Africa was gripped by widespread protests on Tuesday as thousands marched in major cities demanding the removal of undocumented foreign nationals, in a campaign that has intensified tensions and sparked fears of further unrest.
Demonstrators moved through financial hubs and city centres, forcing many businesses to shut, disrupting transport, and leaving normally busy districts unusually quiet.
Security forces were deployed heavily as authorities moved to prevent violence and contain possible outbreaks of looting and clashes.
The protests, driven by citizen-led groups, followed an informal deadline calling for foreigners without legal documents to leave the country.
The organisers accused undocumented migrants of worsening unemployment and crime, claimed widely debated by analysts who argued they unfairly shift blame away from structural economic challenges.
In cities such as Johannesburg and Durban, some confrontations were reported, with isolated incidents of looting and stone-throwing.
In Durban, protesters also marched in traditional Zulu regalia, amplifying the charged atmosphere of the demonstrations.
Authorities confirmed that several African governments have begun assisting their citizens with voluntary return arrangements, while thousands of migrants have already been processed for departure in recent weeks amid growing pressure.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for calm and strengthened enforcement against illegal immigration, warning against rising tensions that could escalate further ahead of upcoming local elections.
The unrest highlighted South Africa’s deep economic strain, including high unemployment and inequality, which continue to fuel debates over migration and national stability.
