Properties were set ablaze and shops looted in the South African city of Durban over the weekend, as anti-immigration protests erupted into violence, prompting police to step up security.

Foreign and South African business owners scrambled for safety as anti-immigrant protests swept through Durban's city centre on Friday, with crowds clashing and police struggling to contain the violence following a day of attacks on shops and vehicles.

Burundian civil society groups called on the African Union (AU) to intervene over Kenya's restrictions on foreign traders, warning that the measures risk fuelling xenophobia against Burundian nationals and other Africans living and working in the country.

Former South African Public Protector Prof Thuli Madonsela has urged employers to work with the government to address South Africa's immigration challenges, warning that violence against undocumented migrants could harm trade, investor confidence and the country's standing in Africa.

The Fellowship of Christian Councils in Southern Africa (FOCCISA) has condemned the rise in xenophobic attacks, hate crimes and speech targeting migrants in South Africa.

Human rights activist Uhuru Dempers has appealed for calm and restraint ahead of the planned anti-foreign protest in South Africa.

Dempers made the appeal in an interview with NBC News.

Dozens of protesters marched through the streets of Cape Town on Saturday, calling for stronger action against illegal immigration and urging government authorities to address the alleged growing impact of undocumented migration on South African society.

Minister of International Relations and Trade (MIRT), Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, says Namibians in South Africa are not under any threat in the face of recent xenophobia attacks in the neighbouring country.

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has spoken against vigilantism that has become the order of the day in the country.

Addressing the nation last night, Ramaphosa warned against infiltrators who want South Africans to turn against those who were not born in the country.

Africa Day serves as a reminder of the importance of pride, unity, cultural heritage and the spirit of ubuntu that binds Africans together. 

These were the sentiments shared when the Keetmanshoop NBC News team hit the streets to gauge residents' reflections on the importance of celebrating Africa Day.