Ghanaians In South Africa Urged to Restrict Movement: High Commission Warns Citizens Ahead of Demonstration

• Ghanaians in South Africa are being warned about possible violent incidents as the EFF holds a mammoth demonstration
• The influential South African political party is staging the demonstration on Monday, March 20, 2023, to protest economic hardship and erratic electricity supply
• In the past, such demonstrations, called a "national shutdown", have resulted in violent attacks on other African nationals

Ghanaians in South Africa have been cautioned about possible violent incidents in the face of the massive demonstration being organised by the influential local political party Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) on Monday, March 20, 2023.

Billed to be a "national shutdown", the EFF is organising the demonstration against the governing African National Congress (ANC) over a range of issues including a severe case of erratic electricity supply.

Reports say SA authorities deployed thousands of security forces, including the military, to quell possible violence and looting.

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However, a statement from the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria said although organisers have said the protests would be peaceful, previous events during similar protests have been violent.

The high commission advised members of the Ghanaian community to be "vigilant to any such incidents, restrict their movements to safe areas, avoid mass gathering and contact the police for assistance when required”.

Ghanaians in South Africa, who may find themselves stranded anywhere have been advised to contact the mission via telephone for assistance.

Xenophobic attacks in South Africa

Reports by Human Rights Watch say South Africa has experienced continuous xenophobic attacks on fellow Africans since 2008.

Although the attacks were initially framed as state-sponsored, they have been found to have socio-economic links.

A report by Frontiers also says xenophobic attacks have targeted certain groups only.

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Ghanaians can now travel to South Africa without visa

Meanwhile, in a separate story, YEN.com.gh reported that in a bid to boost tourism to the country, South Africa finalised a number of visa waiver agreements with other countries, including Ghana.

The agreements will allow travellers to enter the country without a visa.

The announcement was made in 2018 by the SA Minister of Home Affairs, Malusi Gigaba in Pretoria.

Citizens from countries who will no longer require a visa to travel to SA include Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Ghana, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Iran, Lebanon, the State of Palestine, Belarus, Georgia and Cuba.

Source: YEN.com.gh