Ghanaians living in Mthatha have been urged to remain indoors as residents stage a demonstration over concerns about foreign nationals and access to jobs.
The protest, which began on Thursday morning, is expected to run from 9:00 a.m. to about 11:00 a.m., with organisers calling for employment opportunities to prioritise South African citizens.
Chairman of the Ghanaian community in Mthatha, Yirenyi Gyekye Darko, said he had engaged local police, who assured him that the protest is expected to remain peaceful.
“I spoke to one of the station commanders, and he confirmed that there will be a peaceful demonstration. The police are taking precautionary measures to ensure everything remains under control,” he said.
Despite the assurances, he advised Ghanaians to take precautionary measures by staying indoors and temporarily closing their businesses.
“We have asked our people to stay indoors and not open their shops until about midday, when the situation is expected to normalise,” he added.
According to him, the demonstration is being driven by concerns among locals that foreign nationals—including those from Ghana, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe—are taking jobs meant for South Africans.
The situation highlights ongoing tensions around employment and immigration in parts of South Africa, where similar protests have occurred in the past.
