Members of Operation Dudula, a South African (SA) grassroots movement that campaigns against undocumented migration and rising crime, have vowed to continue protesting outside the G20 Leaders’ Summit at the Nasrec Expo Centre.

The group says it wants to draw international attention to the country’s socio-economic challenges, including unemployment, crime, and the presence of undocumented migrants.

Tensions escalated on Saturday when two protestors were arrested following clashes with police as they tried to move closer to the summit venue.

Speaking for the movement, Sphiwe Shabangu said the demonstrations are intended to highlight the struggles faced by ordinary South Africans. “We are here to raise awareness about the plight of South Africans. Our communities are under siege. SA is being treated like a dumping ground where crime and other problems are allowed to thrive,” he said.

Authorities have urged protestors to remain peaceful while respecting security measures around the international gathering.

–ChannelAfrica/SABC–