Xenophobia: Anti-Immigrant Protesters Harass Nigerian Man, Demand Closure of His Car Wash Business in South Africa

Fresh tensions have erupted in Qonce after members of an anti-immigrant group identified as “March and March” staged protests demanding the shutdown of businesses owned by foreigners.

The demonstration, which took place on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, reportedly drew several protesters to the streets, where they marched through parts of the community calling for stricter action against undocumented immigrants and foreign-owned enterprises.

According to reports, some members of the group allegedly moved from one business location to another, demanding that foreign nationals provide documents proving their legal status in South Africa.

In a video shared by eNCA, protesters were seen confronting a Nigerian businessman who operates a car wash in the area.

The visibly tense exchange showed members of the group aggressively questioning the man and insisting that he shut down his business.

Responding to the confrontation, the Nigerian businessman explained that he fled conflict in Nigeria years ago and relocated to South Africa in search of safety and stability.

According to him, he has lived in the country since 2005 and possesses identification documents obtained through the Department of Home Affairs.

The incident has since sparked reactions online, with many social media users expressing concern over rising hostility toward foreign nationals in parts of South Africa.

South Africa has, over the years, witnessed repeated outbreaks of anti-immigrant protests and xenophobic attacks, often targeted at African migrants running small businesses in local communities.

Foreign nationals, particularly from countries such as Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Somalia and Ethiopia, have frequently complained of harassment, intimidation and violence linked to anti-immigration sentiments.

While some South Africans argue that undocumented migration contributes to unemployment and pressure on public resources, critics have condemned attacks on migrants and warned against taking the law into private hands.

The latest protest in Qonce has once again drawn attention to the growing debate around immigration, economic hardship and community tensions in South Africa.