Dozens of protesters gathered outside South Africa’s Parliament in Cape Town on Saturday, demanding stronger government action against xenophobia and violence targeting foreign nationals.
The demonstration, organised by the African Inclusion Coalition, came days before a June 30 deadline set by anti-immigrant groups demanding that undocumented migrants leave South Africa or face unspecified consequences.
Footage shows demonstrators carrying placards against hate and discrimination, calling for unity and protection for migrants.
“We want to show that we oppose any form of violence, intimidation and harassment of foreign nationals in South Africa,” one protester said. “We stand against xenophobia and together we have the power to oppose these groups.”
Another protester claimed blaming migrants would not fix South Africa’s problems.
“We have issues with corruption, our health care system and our education system. Victimising migrants isn’t going to solve this,” she added.
Organisers delivered a memorandum urging the government to protect people at risk of displacement, hold perpetrators of violence accountable and prepare emergency shelters if attacks escalate after June 30. They also called for public schools to be temporarily opened during the winter holidays to shelter those forced from their homes.
The coalition said South Africa has a constitutional and humanitarian duty to protect everyone within its borders, regardless of nationality or immigration status, and urged authorities to act before more lives are put at risk.
The protest followed the arrival of thousands of foreign nationals at a temporary shelter in Durban after reports of intimidation and attacks against migrants.
Earlier this month, President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned xenophobic violence and vigilante action, saying there is “no space for xenophobia, racism, sexism, Afrophobia, or any other forms of intolerance” in South Africa.
Source: Viory
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