JOHANNESBURG, June 24 (Xinhua) -- With days to go before planned anti-immigration demonstrations across South Africa on June 30, many residents in Johannesburg's townships say they have no intention of taking part, stressing instead the importance of peace, social cohesion, and economic stability.
The demonstrations, organized by a group known as March and March, are being promoted as a response to concerns over illegal immigration, crime, and unemployment.
Yet interviews conducted by Xinhua in townships including Soweto, Alexandra, Tembisa, and Diepsloot reveal a different mood on the ground, with many residents arguing that protests often disrupt livelihoods and local commerce while doing little to address underlying challenges.
"We've marched before, but my situation hasn't really changed. I have children depending on me. So right now, I'd rather focus on finding work and putting food on the table," said 46-year-old Soweto resident Mhlabeni Dube.
In Alexandra, street vendor Nombulelo Hlatshwayo said maintaining peace is more important than taking to the streets.
"We may come from different backgrounds, but we live together every day and need to find ways to get along," she said, adding that communities have already faced enough challenges and do not need violence or division.
In Tembisa, taxi driver Vusumuzi Mnguni said he has no plan to join the protests.
"When protests happen, taxis stop running properly and many people can't get to work. Everyone wants change, but we also need stability because many families rely on what they earn each day," said Mnguni.
Some residents also argued that the contribution of foreign nationals to township economies should not be ignored, noting that many migrant-owned businesses provide essential goods and services while stimulating economic activity in underserved communities.
"People buy groceries there every day because they are convenient and affordable. Instead of fighting each other, we should appreciate the role they play," said Mpho Selowa from Diepsloot.
Hair salon owner Busisiwe Makhanya echoed the view. "Some of them have been here for years. They've built relationships in the community. We can't ignore that," she said.
Others questioned whether demonstrations would offer practical solutions to South Africa's deep-rooted economic challenges.
"What communities really need are jobs and practical solutions, not protests," said 34-year-old Alexandra resident Lindokuhle Gasa.
Bheki Nxumalo, a community organizer from Soweto, said constructive engagement among stakeholders would be more beneficial than street demonstrations.
"Concerns over unemployment and the economy deserve attention. But creating divisions in communities won't help," he said.
South African authorities have repeatedly condemned acts of violence and emphasized that immigration-related concerns should be addressed through legal channels.
Speaking on Monday, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi called on the public to act peacefully and stay calm, warning that criminality and violence would not be tolerated.
"As a home to many immigrants, Gauteng will be directly affected, and we have therefore put clear, practical measures in place," Lesufi said.
In recent weeks, tensions linked to anti-immigrant sentiment have flared in several communities across the country, with reports of attacks and looting targeting some foreign-owned businesses.
According to local media, some 40,000 illegal foreign nationals have been arrested since the beginning of the year, while thousands of citizens from Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Ghana, and Nigeria have been repatriated.
Addressing the official National Youth Day commemoration on June 16, the country's president, Cyril Ramaphosa, said the government was tackling the challenges facing South Africans and warned against attempts to foment instability.
"The so-called June 30, in my view, is not an event that is even necessary because we are addressing the challenges that our people are facing," he said, adding that "we must not allow South Africans to be duped and to be misled by those who want to foster instability in our country and we will not allow that." Enditem
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