What began as social media calls for a shutdown against foreign nationals in Mangaung escalated into overnight unrest across parts of Bloemfontein and Botshabelo, leaving businesses damaged, schools disrupted and communities trying to recover after hours of violence.
Posters calling for a shutdown started circulating on social media on Sunday, 24 May, with messages linked to action against foreign nationals.
While some residents later shared messages claiming the shutdown would not go ahead, tensions rose as the night unfolded.
By Sunday evening and into the early hours of Monday, unrest had spread through several communities in Mangaung.
Residents reported looting and vandalism targeting shops owned by foreign nationals, while protesters clashed with police, throwing stones and burning tyres on roads in some areas as law enforcement worked to contain the unrest.
The impact was felt across the metro by Monday morning.
Some schools remained closed for the day, scholar transport services were disrupted and parts of interstate bus routes were temporarily halted as authorities monitored the situation and residents assessed damage.
For many people, the effects were immediate and deeply personal. Business owners whose shops were targeted were left cleaning up damaged property and trying to salvage what remained of stock lost during the night.
Workers employed at affected businesses were also left uncertain about what comes next.
A community member at the Rocklands shopping centre, who asked not to be identified, said he now faces an uncertain future after the shop where he worked was damaged.
“These same foreign business owners gave me a job,” he said. “Now I don’t know how I’m going to provide for my family, he said.
Amid the unrest, Mangaung Metro’s Executive Mayor Gregory Nthatisi issued an appeal for calm.
“We condemn the violence. Destruction and intimidation will worsen already difficult conditions in our communities.
“The Municipality wishes to state unequivocally that no grievance, irrespective of its nature, justifies lawlessness, violence, looting, intimidation, destruction of property, or the disruption of schooling and essential public services, Ntatisi said in a media statement issued today.
He says ongoing unrest threatens community safety, economic activity and service delivery, particularly in working-class communities where damage to infrastructure and business closures often have the deepest impact.
The mayor also called on residents to reject vigilantism, xenophobia and mob justice, saying matters involving immigration and criminal conduct must be handled through lawful state institutions.
The municipality confirmed it is working closely with law enforcement and other stakeholders to monitor affected areas and reduce further disruption, while police remain visible in several parts of Mangaung.
