A group of South African women reportedly staged a protest against xenophobia, arguing that foreign workers remain essential to sustaining key sectors of the country’s economy.
Speaking during the demonstration, the women raised concerns over what they described as a shortage of technical skills among some local workers. According to the protesters, certain industries continue to rely on foreign expertise due to gaps in technical capacity.
“We need people who can operate machines and keep industries running,” one protester was quoted as saying, alleging that some locals lack the technical skills required for specialized industrial work.
The demonstrators also complained about what they described as excessive wage demands relative to productivity, claiming that some employers struggle to find workers willing to undertake demanding tasks under existing economic conditions.
In a controversial remark during the protest, some women criticized South African men, alleging that they are “only good at touching breasts but not doing the real hard work underneath”—a statement that has generated debate online.
The protesters appealed to President Cyril Ramaphosa to address rising xenophobic sentiments and adopt policies that would allow foreign nationals to remain and contribute to the economy.
According to the women, retaining skilled foreign workers could help prevent further job losses, support industrial productivity, and contribute to broader economic recovery efforts.
The protest comes amid ongoing debates in South Africa over immigration, unemployment, labor market dynamics, and the balance between protecting local jobs and attracting skills needed for economic growth.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from the South African government regarding the protesters’ demands.
