Protesters in South Africa have issued a September 30 deadline for undocumented migrants living in the country to leave, warning that failure to comply could trigger larger demonstrations.
The protests have continued in Durban, where the movement has gained momentum in recent months.
March and March leader Sphelele Shinga said activists were mobilising communities ahead of the planned September 30 demonstration, with as many as 1.5 million people expected to participate.
“You should know that all the communities are gathering up again,” Shinga said. “They are waking up, they’re standing up for their home, standing up for their country.”
Shinga said the protesters intended to make September 30 a major moment in their campaign, describing it as an opportunity to “write another history” by demanding the departure of undocumented migrants.
The development comes after months of demonstrations and growing concerns about the safety and welfare of people who have been staying on the streets.
Princess Adjei, a Ghanaian refugee, said the situation had become increasingly difficult for those affected by the protests.
“We can’t keep sleeping on the streets forever as well. People have died because of sleeping on the street,” she said.
Adjei said the group was waiting for buses while authorities worked to verify their documentation.
Meanwhile, peace activists have rallied in support of the refugees and migrants affected by the demonstrations.
Among those who spoke out was Ela Gandhi, a former member of Parliament and granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi. She criticised the language being used by some protesters against migrants.
“The rhetoric that these people are using is completely untrue,” Gandhi said. “It’s not the migrants that are causing the problems that they talk about.”
The September 30 deadline has heightened concerns that Durban could witness another large-scale demonstration, with activists promising increased mobilisation across communities.
The situation is being closely watched amid continuing debates in South Africa over undocumented migration, access to public services, employment and the treatment of foreign nationals.
