The Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg has issued a public notice alerting Nigerian nationals to a planned anti-foreigner demonstration scheduled to take place on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, in Tshwane, South Africa.
According to the notice, the Consulate received information from the Tshwane Metro Police Communication Unit indicating that “there will be a March at Tshwane Bahlali Dudula on Wednesday, 6th May, 2026 to protest high unemployment rate and undocumented immigrants in South Africa.” The demonstrators are expected to disperse from Goody Thokoman Food (Pty) Ltd by 2:00 p.m.
The gathering point for the protest has been identified as Knoppieslaagte Road, with participants expected to assemble by 9:00 a.m. Several streets are likely to be affected during the march, including Knoppieslaagte Road, Barolong Street, Mimosa Street, Sunbeam Street, and Ellman Street.
Motorists have been advised to use alternative routes such as the R55, while authorities note that police units will be deployed to monitor the situation and provide protection.
The Consulate strongly cautioned Nigerian citizens, stating that “all Nigerian nationals are strongly advised to avoid engaging any demonstrators or confronting them.” It further urged citizens to “continue monitoring local media, as well as adopt necessary safety precautions.”
The notice also highlighted growing international pressure from countries including Ghana, Nigeria, Botswana, Tanzania, and the United Nations, alongside concerns raised by South African individuals and groups. It noted that “Xenophobes and Afrophobes are clearly losing steam,” while stressing that “No South African civilian has the right to take laws into their hands by approaching, harassing and demanding papers from any foreigner – that is not their job to do! Talk less of harming, looting or killing any foreigner!”
The Consulate acknowledged that “the South African Government has also spoken out against the indiscriminate xenophobic/afrophobic incidents against foreigners,” adding that authorities are distinguishing between legal and illegal migrants. However, it pointed out that opposition groups such as Operation Dudula, ActionSA, and the Patriotic Alliance “are yet to put a stop to the unreasonable and unacceptable actions of their members.”
Reiterating its message, the Consulate urged Nigerians to remain law-abiding, advising them to “stay away from crime and criminals” and to “uphold and protect the good name of our beloved country – Nigeria, for your own sake, the sake of the larger good, and for God’s sake.”
“In the meantime, please remain calm and rest assured that the Consulate is here for YOU. We will not relent in our duty to protect you and look out for your welfare at all times,” the statement added.
The notice concluded with a call for calm, urging citizens to stay safe while assuring them of the Consulate’s continued support.
The advisory was signed by the Consulate General of Nigeria, Johannesburg, and dated May 5, 2026.
