Civil society groups and community organisations under Operation Ubuntu marched to the office of Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi in Johannesburg on Friday to hand over a memorandum outlining their demands.
The demonstration formed part of a series of marches taking place across South Africa amid ongoing protests over undocumented migrants, which began in June.
The protesters called for an end to what they described as xenophobia and Afrophobia across the continent, while also voicing concerns about migration and the treatment of foreign nationals.
Operation Ubuntu Raises Concerns Over Migration And Foreign Nationals
The groups used the march to present their memorandum to the Gauteng provincial government, with migration and the treatment of foreign nationals among the issues raised.
The Operation Ubuntu demonstration was one of several actions taking place nationally in response to the protests surrounding undocumented migrants.
The groups called for an approach that would address concerns around migration while opposing hostility towards foreign nationals.
Gauteng Police Outline Approach To Operation Ubuntu March
Gauteng Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni said police were focused on ensuring that marches and demonstrations across the province remained peaceful.
“For us is to ensure (that) we ensure that the marches have to be peaceful. Where there are people who are committing crime, we have been seen acting precisely. For an example, last week in Springs, we had unruly marchers which we acted (on), and we were in a position to arrest not less than 60.”
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Mthombeni said police would continue taking action where criminal activity occurred during protests or marches.
The Operation Ubuntu march took place against the backdrop of heightened debate around undocumented migration, xenophobia and the treatment of foreign nationals in South Africa.
WATCH | Operation Ubuntu coordinator General Moyo alleged that the police are failing to act against vigilante groups. The group is calling for an end to violence against migrants and stronger protection for vulnerable communities across the continent. pic.twitter.com/wocv0JoS4D
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