Residents in Mthatha, South Africa, are expected to stage a demonstration on Thursday, April 23, over concerns about the presence of foreign nationals and alleged competition for jobs.
The protest, scheduled to take place between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., is being organised by local South Africans who are calling for employment opportunities to be prioritised for citizens. Demonstrators argue that foreign nationals are taking jobs meant for locals.
Chairman of the Ghanaian Community in Mthatha, Dr Yirenyi Gyekye Darko, said he had engaged local police authorities, who assured him the demonstration would be peaceful and closely monitored.
Despite the assurances, he advised Ghanaians living in the area to take precautionary measures, urging them to remain indoors and keep shops closed until midday when the situation is expected to calm down.
He noted that the protest reflects wider concerns among demonstrators about employment, with foreign nationals, including Ghanaians, Nigerians, and Zimbabweans, being accused of taking job opportunities meant for locals.