Protests against illegal foreigners spreading

NATIONWIDE DEMONSTRATIONS

- LUNGANI ZUNGU

A WAVE of anti-illegal immigration protests that began in Durban in March this year is gaining momentum, with demonstrations set to spread to major cities across South Africa today.

Marches are scheduled for KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Eastern Cape, and Free State, as the drive to curb the influx of undocumented foreign nationals in the country gathers momentum.

The initial protest took place in March, when hundreds of demonstrators marched from King Dinuzulu Park along Dr Pixley Ka-Seme Street to the Durban City Hall.

Organisers have confirmed that today's protest will follow the same route into Durban's CBD.

Today's protests has been dubbed "national shutdown", with similar demonstrations set for Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Mangaung. Organisers claimed these cities were among those heavily affected by the presence of undocumented foreigners.

One of the movement's driving forces is Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, a presenter at Vuma FM, who has been vocal in rallying support for the protests.

"Our march is against illegal immigrants. It's not that we're against foreigners, but there needs to be control. When the system fails to document and manage the number of foreigners entering the country, it becomes unsustainable. These individuals are not contributing to the economy, and many are involved in criminal activity," she said.