Durban sees mass protests targeting undocumented immigrants and femicide
On September 30, hundreds of people protested in Durban, South Africa, demanding undocumented immigrants leave the country and denouncing gender-based violence. The anti-migrant group March and March set the date as an unofficial deadline for undocumented immigrants. The protests come amid rising anti-immigrant violence and a surge in femicides in South Africa, prompting government measures.
Brève Publié le (Africa/Lagos, UTC+1)
On September 30, hundreds of South Africans took to the streets of Durban to protest against undocumented immigrants, demanding they leave the country by an unofficial deadline set by the anti-migrant group March and March.
The demonstrations, which also took place across several provinces, highlighted growing tensions due to an intense anti-immigration campaign that has led to violent episodes against foreign nationals. Official death tolls from these clashes remain disputed between South African and foreign authorities.
Alongside anti-immigrant demands, the protests denounced gender-based violence, which has surged alarmingly in South Africa. At least 11 women were killed in Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg, since mid-July, reigniting concerns over persistent femicide rates.
In response, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced new measures aimed at better protecting women from gender-based violence.