Protesters in South Africa have given undocumented migrants living in the country until September 30 to leave, threatening larger demonstrations if their demands are not met.
Weekly protests have continued in Durban, where the movement gained momentum earlier this year.
March and March leader, Sphelele Shinga, said activists expected as many as 1.5 million people to participate in the next major demonstration.
Shinga said communities were mobilising ahead of the September 30 protest, which he described as a demonstration to defend their homes and country.
He said protesters would “write another history” on September 30 by demanding that undocumented migrants leave South Africa.
The group agreed to the move amid safety concerns following months of street protests. Princess Adjei, a Ghanaian refugee, said the protesters could not continue sleeping on the streets, noting that some people had died as a result.
Adjei said the group was awaiting buses while their documentation was being verified.
Peace activists, including Ela Gandhi, a former member of Parliament and granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi, stood in support of the refugees during the demonstration.
Gandhi condemned the protesters’ rhetoric, saying claims that migrants were responsible for the problems being raised were untrue.
The September 30 deadline has raised the prospect of renewed large-scale demonstrations in Durban.
Boluwatife Enome
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