Police fire teargas in South Africa as protests against Nigerians, others turn violent

Police in Durban on Wednesday fired rubber bullets and teargas to disperse hundreds of anti-immigrant protesters, as tensions over migration continue to rise ahead of local elections.

South Africa has in recent years experienced repeated waves of anti-foreigner sentiment, often escalating into violent and sometimes deadly attacks on immigrants.

The latest protest was mobilised by groups including the Operation Dudula, whose name means “push back” in Zulu, alongside political actors such as the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and the ActionSA.

Demonstrators marched through the city streets, chanting slogans and carrying placards demanding stricter measures against undocumented foreign nationals. Police initially contained the protest, preventing marchers from advancing towards the beachfront, an area protesters claim is plagued by criminal activity.

However, the situation escalated when a breakaway group allegedly harassed bystanders and looted shops, prompting security forces to intervene with force.

Some business owners had preemptively shut their shops amid fears of violence and looting.

Speaking at the protest, Herman Mashaba, leader of ActionSA, criticised the government’s immigration policies, arguing that uncontrolled migration was placing strain on the country’s economy and security.

Participants expressed frustration over unemployment, corruption, and crime, blaming undocumented migrants for worsening socio-economic conditions.

As Africa’s most industrialised economy, South Africa remains a major destination for migrants seeking better opportunities, despite an unemployment rate hovering around 32 percent.

Official data estimates that about three million foreign nationals — roughly 5.1 percent of the population — currently reside in the country, contributing to growing tensions over jobs and public resources.