Durban Anti-Migrant Protests Turn Violent as South Africa’s Immigration Debate Intensifies

South African police fired rubber bullets and tear gas on Wednesday to disperse hundreds of demonstrators in Durban, as anti-immigrant groups staged one of the largest protests in the coastal city in recent years, demanding the expulsion of undocumented foreign nationals.

The march, organized by a coalition including the vigilante movement Operation Dudula and the opposition ActionSA party, highlighted growing political friction over immigration ahead of local elections expected in less than a year.

Protesters carried placards and sang anti-immigrant songs, accusing foreigners of involvement in crime and taking jobs from South African citizens.

Police initially contained the march, but a faction broke off, looting shops and harassing bystanders, prompting a heavy-handed response.

Several businesses had closed preemptively, fearing a repeat of past xenophobic attacks that have occasionally spiraled into deadly violence.

“We cannot allow a situation where our country is being destroyed before our very own eyes,” said Herman Mashaba, leader of ActionSA, which has made tightening border controls a central campaign issue.

“Our government is allowing our country to be flooded by groups from all over the world—Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Mexico. This is unacceptable.”

South Africa, the continent’s most industrialized economy, remains a magnet for migrants despite a national unemployment rate exceeding 30%. According to official statistics, foreign-born residents account for about 5% of the population a figure that advocacy groups say is often inflated to stoke resentment.

Among the marchers was 81-year-old Thembi Dlamini, who said she had joined similar protests before. “Jobs are being taken away by our brothers from other parts of Africa who are here illegally,” she said. “Where will our children get jobs?”

The protest underscores a recurring pattern of xenophobic unrest in South Africa, often flaring during periods of economic strain and political competition.

With elections approaching, immigration is emerging as a potent mobilizing issue, raising concerns among human rights groups about the potential for further violence against migrant communities.