Hundreds of people held a demonstration against illegal immigration in the South African city of Durban on Wednesday, vowing to intensify their actions against what they say is the government's failure to deal with the issue.

The crowds, led by the March by March group, had set a September 30 deadline for those living illegally in South Africa to leave the country. The deadline was not recognised by the government and authorities.

With some brandishing traditional Zulu weapons and singing cultural songs, they marched through Durban's streets. Police did not report any incidents of violence against foreigners during the protest.

A similar deadline set for June 30 sparked a mass repatriation of foreigners to their various African countries after attacks on immigrants. The governments of those nations arranged for the evacuation of their citizens.

Wednesday's demonstration was the latest protest in South Africa over the last few months. South African authorities have also reported the deportations of thousands of foreigners who were in the country illegally in recent months.

Earlier this month, Nigeria's parliament indefinitely suspended official visits and engagements with South Africa over the immigration tensions.