South Africa has deployed more than 3,000 soldiers across the country to reinforce security as anti-migrant protests continue to spread, with organisers pledging to hold demonstrations every week.
A letter signed by President Cyril Ramaphosa and sent to the speaker of parliament said 3,405 members of the South African National Defence Force were deployed from June 28 to support police operations and remain on standby “for any eventualities.”
The deployment, published by parliament on Friday, is expected to cost 54.6 million rand, or about $3.37 million.
The move follows nationwide protests on Tuesday, when thousands of demonstrators, many draped in South African flags and some carrying wooden weapons, marched through several cities demanding tougher action against undocumented foreign nationals.
Most of the demonstrations passed peacefully, but some turned violent, with looting reported in parts of the country. Police said more than 900 people were arrested for offences including public violence, robbery, immigration violations and harbouring undocumented migrants.
Soldiers were also deployed in parts of inner-city Johannesburg, where many migrants live.
An anti-migrant movement has vowed to hold fresh protests every Thursday, intensifying pressure on the government over immigration and security policies.
The unrest follows months of attacks and intimidation targeting foreign nationals, drawing criticism from rights groups and international observers. Migrants have been forced from their homes, while businesses and property belonging to foreigners have been vandalised.
Anti-migrant groups accuse undocumented foreigners of taking jobs, increasing crime and straining public services. Researchers and social scientists say there is little evidence to support those claims.
According to Statistics South Africa, the country’s immigrant population stands at around 3 million people, roughly 4 percent of the total population — a relatively low proportion by global standards.