South African Protesters Set September 30 Deadline For Undocumented Migrants

Protesters in South Africa have given undocumented migrants until September 30 to leave the country, threatening larger demonstrations if their demands are not met.

Weekly protests have continued in Durban, where the movement has gained momentum in recent months. Protest leader Sphelele Shinga said communities were mobilising for a major demonstration on September 30, which he described as a move to defend their homes and country.

Shinga claimed as many as 1.5 million people could participate, saying protesters intended to “write another history” by demanding that undocumented migrants leave South Africa.

The protests have also raised safety concerns among migrants and refugees living on the streets. Princess Adjei, a Ghanaian refugee, said the group was awaiting buses while their documentation was being verified, adding that some people had died during the months of street protests.

Peace activists, including Ela Gandhi, granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi and a former South African parliamentarian, expressed support for the refugees. Gandhi condemned the protesters’ rhetoric and rejected claims that migrants were responsible for the problems being raised.

The September 30 deadline has raised concerns over the possibility of renewed large-scale demonstrations and further tensions between protesters and migrant communities.