Residents in Mthatha, South Africa, are preparing to take to the streets on Thursday, April 23, as tensions grow over the presence of foreign nationals in the area.
The protest is being organised by local South Africans who say job opportunities should be reserved primarily for citizens.
The demonstration is expected to run from 9:00 a.m. to about 11:00 a.m., with participants voicing concerns that foreigners are increasingly occupying roles they believe should go to locals.
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.
Even with these assurances, Dr. Darko has urged members of the Ghanaian community to remain cautious and take steps to stay safe during the protest.
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“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 noted that the planned protest is largely driven by calls for the South African government to prioritise employment for its citizens, amid ongoing claims that foreign nationals, including Ghanaians, Nigerians, and Zimbabweans, are taking up jobs meant for locals.
“The demonstrators are calling for priority to be given to South Africans. Their main concern is that foreigners have taken their jobs,” he added.
