South Africans could see demonstrations in several major cities on Wednesday, 30 September, as protest group March and March prepares another nationwide day of action.
BusinessTech reports that the organisation plans marches in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town and other centres, continuing its campaign against undocumented immigration.
The group has also added a Men’s March against gender-based violence and crime to Wednesday’s action.
Police prepare for planned demonstrations
The South African Police Service has previously said the planned September protests will be handled through normal policing operations.
Deputy National Police Commissioner Tebello Mosikili told EWN earlier this month that there would be no special police budget for the 30 September demonstrations.
She said SAPS would continue monitoring developments and policing marches as they take place.
The planned action follows March and March demonstrations held around the country in June and subsequent protests against undocumented foreign nationals.
Some later demonstrations have resulted in confrontations. EWN reported that police used rubber bullets and pepper spray during a September protest in Durban after tensions developed between demonstrators and migrants.
Ramaphosa urges unity
President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed rising tensions around migration and violence against women in his weekly newsletter on Monday.
Ramaphosa said South Africa must not allow violence against women to define the country and described the abuse and killing of women as a stain on the national conscience.
He also said South Africa should not be defined by xenophobia and intolerance, warning that inflammatory statements about foreign nationals could worsen social tensions.
At the same time, Ramaphosa said government has a responsibility to manage migration through the law. In an earlier address to Parliament, he said authorities were increasing workplace inspections, strengthening border security and taking action against immigration-law violations.
March and March rejects xenophobia label
March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma has rejected claims that the movement’s campaign is xenophobic.
According to BusinessTech, she argues that South Africa faces pressure on public resources and wants other African governments to address why their citizens migrate to South Africa.
Police have not announced extraordinary restrictions for Wednesday’s marches, but authorities are expected to monitor demonstrations and respond to incidents where necessary.