Johannesburg – Hundreds of demonstrators marched through the streets of Johannesburg on Wednesday, protesting against what they described as rising levels of illegal immigration, a contentious issue that has fueled tensions between local communities and foreign nationals in South Africa.

The demonstration forms part of a broader wave of anti-immigration protests, with similar action taking place in Pretoria on Tuesday. Organizers say the movement is aimed at pressuring the government to strictly enforce immigration laws and carry out mass deportations of undocumented migrants.

Despite criticism from various quarters, protest leaders rejected accusations of xenophobia, insisting their demands are rooted in constitutional rights and concerns over economic opportunities.

Tshepo Totwe, secretary of anti-immigration organisation Abahambe Movement, said the protests are a coordinated effort among different groups to address what they view as unfair competition for jobs and resources.

“We are here to collaborate on a progressive march involving different organisations and national forums to fight against foreign nationals who are taking advantage of our economic freedom in our country and in our lifetime,” Totwe said.

He added that the protesters’ message has often been misunderstood.

“We are being labelled as xenophobic, and that is not the point. We are emphasising our constitutional rights in terms of freedom of expression and the legal rights that we are having,” he said.

Another demonstrator, Sanele Nkambule, treasurer of the March and March movement, accused the government of failing to implement existing immigration laws.

“The March and March movement hereby calls upon the government of the Republic of South Africa to make a formal declaration of commitment to the issues and concerns raised in this memorandum,” Nkambule said.

“Such declaration should affirm government’s intention to uphold the rule of law, enforce existing legislation, and prioritise the safety, security, and socioeconomic well-being of South Africans.”

The protests come amid growing public debate in South Africa over migration, employment, and access to public services. Immigration remains one of the country’s most divisive political and social issues, with authorities facing increasing pressure to balance border control measures with regional and international obligations.

Anti-immigration groups say they will continue demonstrations until government takes decisive action on undocumented migration, while civil society organisations have urged calm and warned against rhetoric that could inflame tensions between communities.