JOHANNESBURG — South Africa has called in more than 3,000 military personnel to back up police forces this month as anti-migrant demonstrations continue to sweep the country, according to a letter signed by the president and released Friday.
Demonstrators took to the streets in cities across the nation on Tuesday, with some marches turning violent. An anti-migrant movement has announced plans to hold similar protests every Thursday, pushing for the government to adopt a stricter approach toward undocumented foreign nationals.
In a letter addressed to the parliamentary speaker, President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed that 3,405 members of the South African National Defence Force began their deployment on June 28. The operation is projected to cost approximately 54.6 million rand, or about $3.37 million.
The letter, which was published by parliament, stated that “Members of the SANDF … will be on standby for any eventualities.”
Thousands of protesters wrapped in national flags — some carrying wooden weapons — flooded city streets on Tuesday. While most demonstrations remained peaceful, a number of them spiraled into violence and the looting of local shops.
Law enforcement arrested more than 900 individuals on charges ranging from immigration violations and public violence to robbery and sheltering undocumented migrants. Military forces were also sent into an inner-city neighborhood in Johannesburg where large numbers of migrants reside.
Tuesday’s protests are the latest escalation in months of unrest that has drawn condemnation from the international community, as foreign nationals have been forced from their homes and had their businesses and belongings destroyed.
Migrants are frequently accused of taking jobs from citizens, fueling crime, and straining public services — accusations that social scientists say are not supported by evidence.
According to StatsSA, immigrants make up roughly 3 million people, or about 4% of South Africa’s total population — a relatively modest share compared to global averages.
