African Migrants Warned to Close Shops as Xenophobic Marches Sweep South Africa
Pretoria, April 29, 2026 — Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of South Africa’s capital on Tuesday in a demonstration against illegal immigration, prompting Ghana and Nigeria to issue urgent safety advisories to their nationals in the country and triggering international concern over a resurgence of xenophobic violence.
The march, organised by the group known as March and March, moved towards the Union Buildings — the official seat of government — with participants chanting slogans and carrying handmade signs. Some wore T-shirts with anti-migrant messaging. The protest follows a pattern of similar demonstrations that have periodically spiralled into violence against foreign nationals in South Africa’s major cities.
Ghana’s high commission in Pretoria issued an advisory urging Ghanaian nationals to “place the highest priority on personal safety” and “strongly encouraged” shop owners to close their businesses, avoid areas where demonstrations were taking place, and refrain from joining public gatherings that could escalate into confrontation.
The Nigerian Union in South Africa gave similar advice, with its chairman, Olaniyi Abodedele, telling members to close shops and remain indoors. “As long as you are a Nigerian, you are profiled and you are stereotyped immediately,” he told the BBC’s Pidgin service. “We are all very careful.”
A Decade-Old Problem
South Africa is home to approximately 2.4 million migrants — nearly 4 percent of the population — with most arriving from neighbouring countries such as Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, which have long histories of providing migrant labour to their wealthier neighbour. Xenophobia has been a persistent issue, erupting into deadly violence on several occasions over the past decade.
The rise of groups such as March and March and Operation Dudula has brought the immigration debate into mainstream politics. In February, South Africa’s Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini used a derogatory term for foreigners and said they should all leave the country — a remark that drew sharp criticism and reminders of similar comments made by his father eleven years earlier.
The protests come against the backdrop of South Africa’s unemployment rate, which stands at approximately 33 percent — one of the highest in the world. Critics argue that anti-migrant sentiment is frequently weaponised by political entrepreneurs to redirect public frustration away from structural economic problems.
International Condemnation
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a statement condemning what he called “criminal acts perpetrated by individuals inciting violence and exploiting socio-economic conditions.” In remarks delivered by his spokesperson, he reminded South Africans of the international and African solidarity that supported their struggle against apartheid.
“Violence, vigilantism and all forms of incitement to hatred have no place in an inclusive, democratic society,” Guterres said.
President Ramaphosa, speaking at a Freedom Day event marking the anniversary of South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994, attempted to strike a reconciling tone, reminding citizens of the continent’s role in supporting their liberation struggle and urging people not to allow their concerns about immigration to “breed prejudices and hatred towards our fellow Africans.”
Economic Impact on Migrant Communities
For many African migrants in Pretoria and Johannesburg — the cities with the largest migrant populations — the protests have brought daily life to a standstill. Shop owners who closed their businesses reported lost income; security guards were unable to get to work. One Nigerian shop owner told the BBC that the situation was painful: “We are blacks, we are brothers… everybody comes here just to survive.”
The psychological toll of living under the threat of xenophobic violence has also affected many who have legal residency or citizenship but find themselves profiled simply because of their nationality or appearance. The leader of the Nigerian community warned that the climate of fear was widespread and that many migrants felt they had nowhere to turn.
Another march was planned for Wednesday in Johannesburg, keeping communities on edge as diplomatic missions and human rights organisations continue to monitor the situation closely.
— Image: South Africa xenophobia protest — BBC News