Johannesburg, May 24 (Reuters): Thousands of people marched through South Africa’s biggest city today, calling for an end to the xenophobic violence that has killed over 40 African migrants and displaced tens of thousands.

People, carrying placards saying “Xenophobia hurts like apartheid”, and “We stand against xenophobia” brought traffic to a standstill in Johannesburg’s business district.

People in the Hillbrow flatland district, home to many African immigrants, cheered the march, organised by church organisations and labour unions.