22/04/2026
Breaking News😳😲
Across South Africa this April, a new wave of civil unrest has erupted — this time centered around immigration and xenophobia. Long simmering frustrations over unemployment, economic hardship, and strained public services have turned into public confrontations between some South African citizens and immigrants living in the country.
In Durban’s Central Business District (CBD), groups of locals led by figures such as Ngizwe Mchunu — president of the Amabhinca Nation — have marched through the streets, calling for the removal of foreign nationals, particularly those they allege are undocumented. These protests have become more frequent over recent weeks and have been described as tense and sometimes volatile.
Protesters claim that foreign nationals are responsible for increased crime, unemployment, and social strain — demands that all undocumented migrants be sent home have resonated with certain civic groups like the March and March Movement.
At the same time, clashes between protesters and security officials — as well as between demonstrators and local business owners — highlight how quickly these tensions can escalate.
In KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), police officials have publicly condemned confrontations, urging people not to personally confront suspected foreigners and to report concerns instead to authorities. KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi warned that vigilantism could lead to tragedy — especially if people are targeted based on appearance, not evidence.
The story isn’t one-sided. Across several cities, anti-xenophobia marches have taken place where hundreds of people —including local activists and migrants themselves— marched with signs reading “No person is illegal” and “Africa for Africans,” calling for respect for human rights and an end to scapegoating.
Migration activists argue the government must do more — not only to manage borders but also to protect immigrants from violence, discrimination, and exploitation. They point out that immigrants often face barriers accessing healthcare and basic services, fueling both tension and suffering.