Residents of Mthatha are set to stage a protest on Thursday, 23 April, over concerns about the presence of foreign nationals, with demonstrators demanding that job opportunities be prioritised for locals.
The protest, scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. and end around 11:00 a.m., is expected to draw local South Africans who argue that foreigners are taking jobs meant for citizens.
Chairman of the Ghanaian community in Mthatha, Yirenyi Gyekye Darko, said he has engaged local police authorities ahead of the demonstration.
According to him, police have assured that the protest will be peaceful and closely monitored.
“I spoke to one of the station commanders, and he confirmed that there will be a peaceful demonstration. The police are taking precautionary measures to ensure everything remains under control,” he said.
Despite the assurances, Darko has advised members of the Ghanaian community to exercise caution.
“We have asked our people to stay indoors and not open their shops until about midday, when the situation is expected to normalise,” he noted.
He explained that the protest is being driven by demands for the government of South Africa to prioritise employment for its citizens, amid claims that foreign nationals—including Ghanaians, Nigerians, and Zimbabweans—are taking over local jobs.
“The demonstrators are calling for priority to be given to South Africans. Their main concern is that foreigners have taken their jobs,” he added.
The development comes amid recurring tensions in parts of South Africa over immigration and employment, often raising concerns about the safety of foreign nationals living and working in affected communities.
