The first group of around 300 Ghanaian nationals flew to their country yesterday, as their government began a voluntary repatriation programme for its citizens in response to anti-immigration tensions in South Africa.

Families and travellers gathered at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg with their luggage as officials and police coordinated the departure process.

The repatriation follows renewed demonstrations over illegal immigration in parts of South Africa, where frustrations over unemployment, crime and access to services have fuelled tensions.