Residents in Mthatha, South Africa, are set to protest on Thursday, April 23, over growing concerns about the presence of foreign nationals, with demonstrators calling for job opportunities to be prioritised for locals.
The planned demonstration, scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. and end around 11:00 a.m., is expected to be led by local South Africans who argue that foreigners are taking over employment opportunities meant for citizens.
Chairman of the Ghanaian Community in Mthatha, Dr Yirenyi Gyekye Darko, said he has engaged local police authorities, who have assured him 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, Dr Darko has advised members of the Ghanaian community to take precautionary steps to ensure their safety.
“We have asked our people to stay indoors and not open their shops until about midday, when the situation is expected to normalise,” he stated.
He explained that the protest is driven by demands for the South African government to prioritise employment for locals, amid claims that foreign nationals, including Ghanaians, Nigerians, and Zimbabweans, are taking their 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.
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