Tensions Rise in Durban as Police Break Up Anti-Foreigner Protest

Police in South Africa fired teargas and rubber bullets on Wednesday to disperse hundreds of anti-immigrant protesters in Durban, amid growing tensions over foreign nationals, including Nigerians.

South Africa has repeatedly experienced outbreaks of xenophobic sentiment, often leading to violent confrontations targeting immigrants.

The issue is gaining political urgency ahead of local elections scheduled for next year.

The demonstration was driven by a coalition of groups, including political parties and Operation Dudula, a vigilante movement whose name translates to “push back” in Zulu.

Protesters marched through the city carrying placards, singing, and chanting, demanding tougher government action against undocumented foreigners.

Authorities initially contained the crowd, preventing them from reaching the beachfront — an area demonstrators accused of being overrun by drug dealers and criminal activity.

However, tensions escalated when a faction of protesters broke away, harassed civilians, and looted nearby shops, prompting police to respond with force.

Many shop owners had shut down their businesses in anticipation of unrest.

“People can call us names but we cannot allow a situation where our country is being destroyed before our very own eyes,” said Herman Mashaba, leader of ActionSA.

“We are seeing our government allowing our country to be flooded by groups from all over the world as far as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Mexico, all over the world. So we are saying to our government this is unacceptable,” he said.

Elderly protester Thembi Dlamini, 81, said corruption and weak enforcement were worsening the situation.

“I have seen my country going down because officials take bribes to give documents illegally, police allow drug trade because they are paid,” she said, adding: “Jobs are being taken away by our brothers from other parts of Africa who are here illegally. Where will our children get jobs?”

Participants included members of the March and March Movement, along with supporters of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), ActionSA, and the Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party.

South Africa, the continent’s most industrialised economy, continues to attract migrants seeking work, even as unemployment remains high at roughly 32 percent.

The resulting competition for jobs has intensified frustrations among citizens. Official figures indicate that around three million foreigners — about 5.1 percent of the population — reside in the country.

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