Ihsaan Haffejee
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Independent Visual journalist. Using video & photography to tell South Africa's stories. DM for assignments and commission.
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Articles by Ihsaan Haffejee
Air and water pollution harming Joburg’s poorest communities
Smoke from burning waste at an illegal dumping site in Kya Sand can be seen blowing towards nearby residential areas. Recent research has found that many households in the City of Johannesburg are experiencing harm from pollution. Around one in five households report harm from air pollution, a quarter from water and sewerage pipe bursts, and one in ten from water pollution. The impact is most pronounced in lower-income areas.
South Africa: Police Struggle to Stop Vigilantes From Targeting Immigrants in Alexandra
"I think these people want to kill us," says Malawian street vendor. Weekly protests on Thursdays by March and March in Alexandra are forcing immigrant-owned shops to close. This week, police and protest leaders struggled to control the crowd as they went door-to-door, demanding to see identity documents. As the crowd became increasingly hostile, police withdrew from the area completely. Several people presumed to be undocumented were taken away in police vehicles. No protesters were arrested.
Police struggle to stop vigilantes from targeting immigrants in Alexandra
A young boy cries as his father, accused by March and March supporters of being an undocumented immigrant, is escorted to a police van. Photos: Ihsaan Haffajee Weekly protests on Thursdays by March and March in Alexandra are forcing immigrant-owned shops to close. This week, police and protest leaders struggled to control the crowd as they went door-to-door, demanding to see identity documents. As the crowd became increasingly hostile, police withdrew from the area completely.
Community that lived decades in harmony shattered by anti-immigration vigilantes
A group of youngsters play a game of football on a dusty field in the informal settlement of Thembelihle, south of Johannesburg. Photos: Ihsaan Haffejee Thembelihle informal settlement near Johannesburg won an award in 2008 for taking a stance against xenophobia and living in harmony with immigrants from Lesotho, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi. But now anti-immigrant mobs have attacked, threatened and started extorting immigrants.
IN PICS | Hundreds of people still stranded outside Malawian consulate Original
Hundreds of men stood in snaking queues to register for buses outside the Malawian consulate in Johannesburg on Monday. Ihsaan Haffejee/GroundUp Nearly 1 000 Malawians are stranded outside the Malawian consulate in Johannesburg, with hundreds arriving daily and many sleeping outdoors for days while awaiting buses home. Repatriation efforts are largely volunteer-driven while the Malawian government’s involvement has been limited.
In photos: Hundreds of people still stranded outside Malawian consulate
Hundreds of men stood in snaking queues to register for buses outside the Malawian consulate in Johannesburg on Monday. Photos: Ihsaan Haffejee Close to 1,000 Malawians waited outside the Malawian consulate in Johannesburg on Monday, hoping to secure transport home after fleeing anti-immigrant violence in South Africa. People we spoke to say they had travelled from areas around Johannesburg, the East Rand, and as far afield as the Free State.
Immigrant families live in terror after being stoned by March and March crowds
Zimbabwean Jestina Ngondoma shows the broken window at her home in Yeoville, Johannesburg, damaged by protesters during Tuesday’s anti-immigrant march. Photos: Ihsaan Haffejee Immigrant families living in Yeoville and other parts of inner-city Johannesburg say they have been left traumatised after violent March and March protesters stoned their homes on Tuesday. Some people were hit by stones and others beaten with sticks. There were also a few attempted house break-ins.
In photos: Immigrants stream to repatriation site in Durban
The Old Drive-in site has received thousands of displaced immigrants, mainly from Malawi, who want to be repatriated ahead of the March and March 30 June deadline. Photos: Ihsaan Haffejee The Old Drive-in site in Durban, which has been a temporary repatriation site for displaced immigrants since last week, is to be relocated to Musina in Limpopo. But a lack of buses has delayed the relocation, with more people arriving at the site.
In photos: Pietermaritzburg’s pop-up repatriation camp
A man sleeps at a makeshift repatriation camp in Pietermaritzburg as he waits for a bus back to Malawi. Thousands of Malawian immigrants have been displaced and volunteered for repatriation amid rising xenophobic sentiment. Photos: Ihsaan Haffejee Over the past two weeks, authorities in KwaZulu-Natal have been overwhelmed as immigrants, mostly Malawian, flee their homes amid rising xenophobic sentiment. KwaZulu-Natal is the main stomping ground for March and March.
Hundreds protest new land occupation law in Durban and Joburg
2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Advertise your job vacancies Subscribe to daily business and company news across 19 industries Hundreds of land activists took to the streets in Durban and Johannesburg on Friday, 12 June 2026 to protest a proposed anti-land occupation law. Source: GroundUp/Joseph Bracken.
1976 student uprising leader still haunted by “rows of bodies in the mortuary”
Veteran student leader Seth Mazibuko in front of Sam Nzima’s iconic photograph of Mbuyisa Makhubu carrying the body of Hector Pieterson during the 1976 uprising at The Hector Pieterson Museum in Soweto. Photo: Ihsaan Haffejee “I will never forget that day,” says Seth Mazibuko. “We were children on a peaceful march.
Hundreds protest new land occupation law in Durban and Joburg
About 800 supporters of Abahlali baseMjondolo marched in Durban on Friday. Photo: Joseph Bracken Hundreds of land activists took to the streets in Durban and Johannesburg on Friday to protest a proposed anti-land occupation law. Supporters of shack dweller movement Abahlali baseMjondolo (ABM) marched to the Gauteng Provincial Legislature and the Durban City Hall, arguing that the new bill threatens constitutional protections for poor and landless communities.
In photos: Hundreds board voluntary repatriation flight to Nigeria
About 270 Nigerian citizens queue to return to Nigeria on Wednesday as anti-immigrant protests spread across South Africa. Photos: Ihsaan Haffejee Honour Charles was one of about 270 people queuing outside the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria to board a bus to the airport on Wednesday. “I have been in South Africa for 14 years so leaving in these circumstances is very painful. I don’t feel like I have a choice. I put everything in God’s hands and hope for the best,” said Charles.
South Africa: Tvet Students Demand Funding for Workplace Training
Thousands of students have not been able to graduate Dozens of TVET students who are unable to graduate because they have not yet completed their practical training protested at the higher education department's headquarters in Pretoria on Tuesday. People studying towards a National Accredited Technical Education Diploma (NATED) are required to complete 18 months of workplace-based training.
TVET students demand funding for workplace training
About 50 TVET students protested in Pretoria on Tuesday, demanding funding and job placements. Photo: Ihsaan Haffejee Dozens of TVET students who are unable to graduate because they have not yet completed their practical training protested at the higher education department’s headquarters in Pretoria on Tuesday. People studying towards a National Accredited Technical Education Diploma (NATED) are required to complete 18 months of workplace-based training.
South Africa's Ramaphosa vows crackdown on groups behind xenophobic attacks
A demonstrator waves South Africa's flag during a protest calling for the deportation of undocumented immigrants, as violence against migrants from other African countries increases, in Benoni, east of Johannesburg, South Africa, June 5, 2026.
South Africa's Ramaphosa vows crackdown on groups behind xenophobic attacks
A demonstrator waves South Africa's flag during a protest calling for the deportation of undocumented immigrants, as violence against migrants from other African countries increases, in Benoni, east of Johannesburg, South Africa, June 5, 2026.
South Africa's Ramaphosa vows crackdown on groups behind xenophobic attacks
A demonstrator waves South Africa's flag during a protest calling for the deportation of undocumented immigrants, as violence against migrants from other African countries increases, in Benoni, east of Johannesburg, South Africa, June 5, 2026.
South Africa's Ramaphosa vows crackdown on groups behind xenophobic attacks
A demonstrator waves South Africa's flag during a protest calling for the deportation of undocumented immigrants, as violence against migrants from other African countries increases, in Benoni, east of Johannesburg, South Africa, June 5, 2026.
South Africa's Ramaphosa vows crackdown on groups behind xenophobic attacks
A demonstrator waves South Africa's flag during a protest calling for the deportation of undocumented immigrants, as violence against migrants from other African countries increases, in Benoni, east of Johannesburg, South Africa, June 5, 2026.
South Africa's Ramaphosa vows crackdown on groups behind xenophobic attacks
South Africa will crack down on groups behind xenophobic violence, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Sunday, as anti-immigrant protests tarnish the country's reputation. Ghana, Nigeria, Malawi and Mozambique are repatriating some of their citizens caught up in the protests, which have sometimes turned violent. Mozambique has said five of its citizens were killed.
South Africa's Ramaphosa vows crackdown on groups behind xenophobic attacks
South Africa will crack down on groups behind xenophobic violence, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Sunday, as anti-immigrant protests tarnish the country's reputation. Ghana, Nigeria, Malawi and Mozambique are repatriating some of their citizens caught up in the protests, which have sometimes turned violent. Mozambique has said five of its citizens were killed.
South Africa's Ramaphosa vows crackdown on groups behind xenophobic attacks
A demonstrator waves South Africa's flag during a protest calling for the deportation of undocumented immigrants, as violence against migrants from other African countries increases, in Benoni, east of Johannesburg, South Africa, June 5, 2026.
South Africa's Ramaphosa vows crackdown on groups behind xenophobic attacks
A demonstrator waves South Africa's flag during a protest calling for the deportation of undocumented immigrants, as violence against migrants from other African countries increases, in Benoni, east of Johannesburg, South Africa, June 5, 2026.
South Africa's Ramaphosa vows crackdown on groups behind xenophobic attacks
A demonstrator waves South Africa's flag during a protest calling for the deportation of undocumented immigrants, as violence against migrants from other African countries increases, in Benoni, east of Johannesburg, South Africa, June 5, 2026.
South Africa's Ramaphosa vows crackdown on groups behind xenophobic attacks
A demonstrator waves South Africa's flag during a protest calling for the deportation of undocumented immigrants, as violence against migrants from other African countries increases, in Benoni, east of Johannesburg, South Africa, June 5, 2026. REUTERS/Ihsaan Haffejee Ihsaan Haffejee Reuters South Africa will crack down on groups behind xenophobic violence, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Sunday, as anti-immigrant protests tarnish the country's reputation.
South Africa's Ramaphosa vows crackdown on groups behind xenophobic attacks
A demonstrator waves South Africa's flag during a protest calling for the deportation of undocumented immigrants, as violence against migrants from other African countries increases, in Benoni, east of Johannesburg, South Africa, June 5, 2026. REUTERS/Ihsaan Haffejee Ihsaan Haffejee Reuters South Africa will crack down on groups behind xenophobic violence, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Sunday, as anti-immigrant protests tarnish the country's reputation.
South Africa's Ramaphosa vows crackdown on groups behind xenophobic attacks
A demonstrator waves South Africa's flag during a protest calling for the deportation of undocumented immigrants, as violence against migrants from other African countries increases, in Benoni, east of Johannesburg, South Africa, June 5, 2026. REUTERS/Ihsaan Haffejee South Africa will crack down on groups behind xenophobic violence, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Sunday, as anti-immigrant protests tarnish the country's reputation.
South Africa's Ramaphosa vows crackdown on groups behind xenophobic attacks
A demonstrator waves South Africa's flag during a protest calling for the deportation of undocumented immigrants, as violence against migrants from other African countries increases, in Benoni, east of Johannesburg, South Africa, June 5, 2026. REUTERS/Ihsaan Haffejee South Africa will crack down on groups behind xenophobic violence, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Sunday, as anti-immigrant protests tarnish the country's reputation.
South Africa's Ramaphosa vows crackdown on groups behind xenophobic attacks
A demonstrator waves South Africa's flag during a protest calling for the deportation of undocumented immigrants, as violence against migrants from other African countries increases, in Benoni, east of Johannesburg, South Africa, June 5, 2026. REUTERS/Ihsaan Haffejee South Africa will crack down on groups behind xenophobic violence, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Sunday, as anti-immigrant protests tarnish the country's reputation.
South Africa's Ramaphosa vows crackdown on groups behind xenophobic attacks
A demonstrator waves South Africa's flag during a protest calling for the deportation of undocumented immigrants, as violence against migrants from other African countries increases, in Benoni, east of Johannesburg, South Africa, June 5, 2026. REUTERS/Ihsaan Haffejee South Africa will crack down on groups behind xenophobic violence, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Sunday, as anti-immigrant protests tarnish the country's reputation.
South Africa's Ramaphosa vows crackdown on groups behind xenophobic attacks
South Africa will crack down on groups behind xenophobic violence, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Sunday, as anti-immigrant protests tarnish the country's reputation. Ghana, Nigeria, Malawi and Mozambique are repatriating some of their citizens caught up in the protests, which have sometimes turned violent. Mozambique has said five of its citizens were killed.
South Africa's Ramaphosa vows crackdown on groups behind xenophobic attacks
A demonstrator waves South Africa's flag during a protest calling for the deportation of undocumented immigrants, as violence against migrants from other African countries increases, in Benoni, east of Johannesburg, South Africa, June 5, 2026. REUTERS/Ihsaan Haffejee Reuters South Africa will crack down on groups behind xenophobic violence, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Sunday, as anti-immigrant protests tarnish the country's reputation.
South Africa's Ramaphosa vows crackdown on groups behind xenophobic attacks
A demonstrator waves South Africa's flag during a protest calling for the deportation of undocumented immigrants, as violence against migrants from other African countries increases, in Benoni, east of Johannesburg, South Africa, June 5, 2026. REUTERS/Ihsaan Haffejee South Africa will crack down on groups behind xenophobic violence, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Sunday, as anti-immigrant protests tarnish the country's reputation.
South Africa's Ramaphosa vows crackdown on groups behind xenophobic attacks
A demonstrator waves South Africa's flag during a protest calling for the deportation of undocumented immigrants, as violence against migrants from other African countries increases, in Benoni, east of Johannesburg, South Africa, June 5, 2026. REUTERS/Ihsaan Haffejee South Africa will crack down on groups behind xenophobic violence, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Sunday, as anti-immigrant protests tarnish the country's reputation.
South Africa's Ramaphosa vows crackdown on groups behind xenophobic attacks
South Africa will crack down on groups behind xenophobic violence, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Sunday, as anti-immigrant protests tarnish the country's reputation. Ghana, Nigeria, Malawi and Mozambique are repatriating some of their citizens caught up in the protests, which have sometimes turned violent. Mozambique has said five of its citizens were killed.
South Africa's Ramaphosa vows crackdown on groups behind xenophobic attacks
A demonstrator waves South Africa's flag during a protest calling for the deportation of undocumented immigrants, as violence against migrants from other African countries increases, in Benoni, east of Johannesburg, South Africa, June 5, 2026. REUTERS/Ihsaan Haffejee South Africa will crack down on groups behind xenophobic violence, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Sunday, as anti-immigrant protests tarnish the country's reputation.
South Africa's Ramaphosa vows crackdown on groups behind xenophobic attacks
South Africa will crack down on groups behind xenophobic violence, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Sunday, as anti-immigrant protests tarnish the country's reputation. Ghana, Nigeria, Malawi and Mozambique are repatriating some of their citizens caught up in the protests, which have sometimes turned violent. Mozambique has said five of its citizens were killed.
South Africa's Ramaphosa vows crackdown on groups behind xenophobic attacks
A demonstrator waves South Africa's flag during a protest calling for the deportation of undocumented immigrants, as violence against migrants from other African countries increases, in Benoni, east of Johannesburg, South Africa, June 5, 2026. REUTERS/Ihsaan Haffejee Ihsaan Haffejee Reuters South Africa will crack down on groups behind xenophobic violence, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Sunday, as anti-immigrant protests tarnish the country's reputation.
Mozambique says five nationals die in South African anti-immigrant attacks
FILE PHOTO: Members of civil society groups and human rights organisations hold placards as they take part in a march calling for stronger government action against illegal immigration in Pretoria, South Africa, April 28, 2026. REUTERS/Ihsaan Haffejee/File Photo JOHANNESBURG/MAPUTO - Mozambique said five of its citizens died in anti-immigration violence in the South African town of Mossel Bay over the weekend in the latest flare-up of xenophobic attacks.
SA government scrambles to deal with anti-immigration protests
Government ministers convened a “high-level” meeting on Monday to address the wave of anti-immigration marches gripping the country. Anti-immigration movement March and March has held several mass protest events in recent months in cities across the country. There have also been copycat protests initiated by other organisations.
Yonela Mnana: “Music Education Should Not Be a Luxury”
The jazz pianist has built a career challenging the perception of blindness through music. Johannesburg, South Africa (27 May 2026) – South African jazz pianist and composer Yonela Mnana is using music and performance to challenge perceptions of blindness while reshaping conversations around contemporary jazz. Born blind in the Eastern Cape and raised in Pretoria, Mnana says he experienced and understood the world through sound long before he formally learned music.
South Africa: Yonela Mnana - 'Music Education Should Not Be a Luxury' Original
The jazz pianist has built a career challenging the perception of blindness through music South African jazz pianist and composer Yonela Mnana is using music and performance to challenge perceptions of blindness while reshaping conversations around contemporary jazz. Born blind in the Eastern Cape and raised in Pretoria, Mnana says he experienced and understood the world through sound long before he formally learned music.
Government scrambles to deal with anti-immigration protests
Defence minister Angie Motshekga, justice minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, and deputy home affairs minister Njabulo Nzuza brief the media after a closed-door meeting about illegal immigration. Photo: Ihsaan Haffejee Government ministers met with March and March and other organisations on Monday to address illegal immigration and the rise in anti-immigration protests in the country. Ministers said illegal immigration is a concern but cautioned against violent protest.
Yonela Mnana: “Music education should not be a luxury”
Yonela Mnana receives a standing ovation after his performance at the Piano Festival held at Wits University. Photos: Ihsaan Haffejee South African jazz pianist and composer Yonela Mnana is using music and performance to challenge perceptions of blindness while reshaping conversations around contemporary jazz. Born blind in the Eastern Cape and raised in Pretoria, Mnana says he experienced and understood the world through sound long before he formally learned music.
Last minute move save Melville’s iconic book shop
This past weekend, Doron Locketz and his team began the painstaking process of dismantling a bookstore that has stood as a fixture of Melville for more than three decades. It was a place that was never simply about buying and selling books, but about discovery, memory and the quiet magic of turning pages. “It’s been awful, absolutely traumatic, moving from a place we’ve been in for over 30 years,” Locketz admitted – his words carrying the weight of countless moments lived within those walls.
Bookdealers of Melville turns a new page after avoiding closure
This month, Doron Locketz and his team began the painstaking process of dismantling a bookstore that has stood as a fixture of Melville for more than three decades. It was a place that was never simply about buying and selling books, but about discovery, memory and the quiet magic of turning pages. “It’s been awful, absolutely traumatic, moving from a place we’ve been in for over 30 years,” Locketz admitted.
Bookdealers of Melville turns a new page after avoiding closure
Bookdealers of Melville turns a new page after avoiding closure This month, Doron Locketz and his team began the painstaking process of dismantling a bookstore that has stood as a fixture of Melville for more than …
Top ANC official backs President Ramaphosa over 'Farmgate' scandal
Fikile Mbalula, the Secretary-General of the African National Congress gestures as he addresses the media during a press conference at Chief Albert Luthuli House, the headquarters of the African National Congress in Johannesburg, South Africa, April 1, 2025.
Ghana to evacuate 300 citizens from South Africa after xenophobic attacks
FILE PHOTO: Members of civil society groups and human rights organisations hold placards as they take part in a march calling for stronger government action against illegal immigration in Pretoria, South Africa, April 28, 2026. REUTERS/Ihsaan Haffejee/File Photo ACCRA - Ghana will evacuate 300 citizens from South Africa following a wave of xenophobic attacks targeting migrants from other sub-Saharan African countries, a post by the foreign minister said on X.
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