Residents of Mthatha are expected to stage a protest today, Thursday, April 23, over growing concerns about the presence of foreign nationals, with demonstrators calling for job opportunities to be prioritised for locals.
The demonstration, scheduled to take place between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., is being organised by local South Africans who claim that foreigners are taking over jobs meant for citizens.
Chairman of the Ghanaian community in Mthatha, Yirenyi Gyekye Darko, said he has been in touch with local police, who have assured him that the protest will be peaceful and well 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 in an interview with Accra-based Citi FM.
Despite these assurances, Dr. Darko has advised members of the Ghanaian community to remain cautious and prioritise 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 being driven by demands for the South African government to prioritise employment for its citizens, amid claims that foreign nationals, including Ghanaians, Nigerians, and Zimbabweans, are taking up 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.