Ghanaians in South Africa cautioned to be alert despite end of anti-immigrant protests

The Ghana High Commission in South Africa has issued a renewed safety advisory to Ghanaian nationals, urging continued vigilance despite the conclusion of recent demonstrations.

Although the major protests held on April 28 and 29 by a coalition of anti-migration groups have ended, the mission warned of possible “sporadic disruptions” and the risk of “unplanned gatherings” in the coming days.

The protests in South Africa were part of a coordinated anti-immigration demonstration movement organised in Pretoria and Johannesburg, including groups such as March and March, which mobilised supporters to march against undocumented migration and what they described as pressure on jobs and public services.

According to reports, protesters gathered in large numbers in key urban areas, particularly Pretoria on April 28 and Johannesburg on April 29, calling for stricter immigration enforcement and deportations of undocumented foreign nationals

In a security advisory, the High Commission emphasised that the end of organised protests does not necessarily eliminate security risks, advising nationals to remain alert and prioritise personal safety at all times.

“While the organised protests may have ended, there remains the possibility of isolated tensions, sporadic disruptions, or unplanned gatherings in certain locations. In light of this, community members are urged to continue exercising prudence in their daily movements and activities.” the statement read.

The Ghanaian community has been urged to avoid previously affected areas, particularly central business districts, stay cautious in crowded public spaces, and keep identification and emergency contact information readily available. They are also encouraged to report suspicious activities to local authorities and maintain a low profile both offline and online.

The advisory further cautioned against engaging in confrontations or sensitive discussions, stressing the importance of relying only on verified information from credible sources. Nationals have also been advised to limit unnecessary travel, especially at night.

“Avoid engaging in confrontations or discussions that may escalate tensions. Refrain from sharing or reposting content that may be perceived as provocative, inflammatory, or misleading. Keep in regular contact with family members, friends, and community networks, especially when travelling” the Mission cautioned.

The mission urged Ghanaians residing in South Africa to promptly report any incidents of harassment, threats, or intimidation to both local law enforcement and the High Commission.

To strengthen community safety, individuals are encouraged to maintain regular contact with family and friends, plan travel routes in advance, and remain mindful of vulnerable members within the community.

The High Commission reaffirmed its commitment to closely monitoring the situation and providing timely updates as the security environment evolves.

The demonstrations led to widespread disruption of business activity, with many shops, both foreign-owned and local, closing temporarily due to fears of looting and violence. Authorities deployed security forces to manage crowd control, and police monitored hotspots in central business districts to prevent escalation.

While the protests were largely contained without major nationwide violence, isolated tensions and fears of xenophobic confrontation were reported, prompting diplomatic missions, including Ghana’s, to issue precautionary advisories to their citizens.

Source: Diplomatic Times