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State ‘genuflected’ to minority as protests pass

Political analyst warns immigration crisis was weaponised for electoral gain.

by Zahid Jadwat

South Africa’s June 30 anti-immigration protests passed with limited violence as thousands marched in major cities across the country. Heavy police presence maintained order during the demonstrations.

 

Political analyst Dr Dale McKinley offered a stark assessment. He argued the state had genuflected to a loud minority. “That’s concerning. It’s not about their opinions. It’s not about having a debate about immigration policy. They have every right to express their opinions and they have every right to march and to protest. But what occurred in the weeks leading up to yesterday was something very different,” he said.

 

McKinley linked the protests to electoral mobilisation strategies ahead of the November 4 municipal elections.

 

Read next: OPINION | The return of divide and rule

 

 

Image credit: ENCA

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