Residents in Mthatha, South Africa, are expected to stage a demonstration on Thursday, April 23, over growing concerns about the presence of foreign nationals, with protesters demanding that employment opportunities be prioritised for local citizens.
The protest, scheduled to take place from 9:00 a.m. to about 11:00 a.m., is expected to be led by local South Africans who argue that foreign nationals are occupying jobs that should be reserved for citizens.
Chairman of the Ghanaian Community in Mthatha, Dr Yirenyi Gyekye Darko, said he has engaged police authorities, who have assured him that the demonstration will be peaceful and properly 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 these assurances, Dr Darko has advised members of the Ghanaian community to take precautionary measures 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 demonstration is being driven by calls for the South African government to prioritise employment for locals amid claims that foreign nationals, including Ghanaians, Nigerians and Zimbabweans, are competing for limited job opportunities.
“The demonstrators are calling for priority to be given to South Africans. Their main concern is that foreigners have taken their jobs,” he added.
