Scuffles erupted between protesters and police when dozens gathered at the University of Johannesburg Soweto campus to demonstrate against an honorary doctorate for US President Barack Obama.
Obama was scheduled to hold a meeting with youth leaders at the campus.
Anti-Obama protesters retreated reluctantly and angrily, as arm officers continued to force demonstrators away from the entrance to The University Of Johannesburg Soweto campus.
The protest started about half a kilometre from the university gates but the demonstrators said it was too far away, wanting Barack Obama to feel their presence.
“They must never give that man a Honorary award that they want to give him because he's an oppressor himself”, said a protester.
The protest was given an hour to demonstrate opposite the gates, forcing police to take action when the mob refused to retreat. In the end police prevailed and the presidential motorcade arrived to no obvious signs of unrest.
Soweto is known for 1976 student protests against apartheid.
