Hundreds march in Johannesburg against illegal migration as shops shut over looting fears

Hundreds of South Africans took to the streets of Johannesburg on Wednesday to protest high levels of illegal immigration, which has fueled tensions between locals and foreign nationals.

The demonstration is part of a broader wave of protests, including in the capital, Pretoria, on Tuesday. Anti-immigration groups are calling for the strict enforcement of immigration laws and mass deportations.

As one of Africa’s most industrialized economies, South Africa attracts migrants —both those who entered the country legally and illegally in search of opportunities.

The protests in Johannesburg resulted in the closure of many shops, owned by both locals and migrants, due to fears of potential looting or opportunistic crimes.

Organized by the anti-immigration group March and March, it also attracted similar organizations, including Operation Dudula and political parties ActionSA and Patriotic Alliance.

“We are not xenophobic, we just want the right thing to be done in South Africa, to put the South African