South Africa’s anti-immigration march row grows

South African police have turned to the courts to stop planned anti-immigration marches in Durban after a series of violent incidents raised fears for the safety of migrants. The case has drawn attention, as thousands of people from other African countries live and work in South Africa.

Police asked the KwaZulu-Natal High Court to block demonstrations organised by the March and March movement. Officers said they had received intelligence about threats of violence, including an alleged plan to set fire to a refugee reception centre in Durban. The centre is used by people seeking asylum and help with their immigration documents.

The court initially issued a temporary order stopping the planned march while it considered the police application. However, in a later ruling on Friday, the court allowed demonstrations to go ahead under strict conditions. Protesters must use approved routes, march only between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., and must not carry weapons, cover their faces, damage property or set buildings on fire. The case is expected to return to court next year.

The police action followed weeks of rising tension and violence linked to anti-immigration protests. Earlier demonstrations over a court ruling on asylum procedures turned violent, with at least 24 cars set alight and shops looted. Police also reported that a foreign national was beaten to death during a march in Durban last week. The nationality of that victim was still being investigated.

The marches have caused fear because migrants and businesses owned by foreign nationals have been targeted. Some protesters accuse undocumented migrants of taking jobs, putting pressure on public services and contributing to crime. But violence, threats and attacks on shops have also put people with valid documents and pending asylum applications at risk. Some African governments, including Ghana and Nigeria, have arranged for citizens to return home following the unrest.

For other Africans living in South Africa, the situation creates uncertainty about their safety, work and businesses. Some may avoid public places, close their shops or consider leaving, even if they have legal permission to stay. The unrest also risks damaging relationships between communities and making migrants feel unwelcome.

South African authorities have said that peaceful protest is a constitutional right, but violence and damage to property are not acceptable. President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned against people using public concern about illegal migration to stir up communities or hide criminal activity. More than 500 soldiers have been deployed to KwaZulu-Natal to support police.

The dispute highlights the need to address immigration concerns through lawful processes rather than intimidation or violence. For migrants across Africa, the court’s conditions may allow demonstrations to continue, but their safety will depend on whether those rules are respected and enforced.