The March and March movement has announced plans to continue holding weekly protests for the next six months, following nationwide anti-illegal immigration demonstrations that took place across South Africa on 30 June. Movement leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma said government has six months to strengthen border security and remove undocumented foreign nationals, warning that demonstrations will continue every Thursday until the group’s demands are addressed.
The announcement follows a day of nationwide protests that drew thousands of demonstrators to cities including Johannesburg, Pretoria and Durban. While authorities described many of the organised marches as peaceful, isolated incidents of violence, looting and intimidation were reported in parts of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
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March and March Announces Six-Month Protest Campaign
Addressing supporters in Durban after Tuesday’s demonstrations, March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma said the movement intends maintaining pressure on government through weekly protests.
“Every Thursday, for the next six months, we are marching until they are gone,” she told supporters.
She said the movement believes government has failed to adequately address undocumented immigration and border security, adding that the campaign would continue until authorities take meaningful action.
The movement has become one of the most prominent organisations campaigning for stricter immigration enforcement, organising marches in several provinces over recent months.
Movement Calls for Stronger Border Security
Among its key demands, March and March is calling for the government to increase funding for the Border Management Authority (BMA).
Ngobese-Zuma said South Africa needs approximately 10,000 border officials to improve immigration control and border management.
The movement also wants additional investment in border infrastructure, including stronger fencing and surveillance measures aimed at reducing illegal border crossings.
“We want our borders to be secure, whether you install a fence or a wall, but it’s time now that we protect ourselves,” she said.
Nationwide Protests Drew Thousands
The 30 June demonstrations took place across all nine provinces, with thousands of protesters participating in coordinated marches.
In Gauteng, Johannesburg hosted one of the country’s largest demonstrations, while marches also took place in Pretoria and several other municipalities.
Government had deployed significant numbers of SAPS members, metro police, private security personnel and members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in anticipation of the demonstrations.
President Cyril Ramaphosa had reiterated before the protests that peaceful demonstrations are protected under the Constitution but warned that violence, intimidation and destruction of property would not be tolerated.
Violence Reported in Parts of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal
Although many demonstrations concluded peacefully, authorities and civil society organisations reported isolated incidents of violence later in the day.
In Johannesburg, tensions escalated after the official march ended when a splinter group remained in Hillbrow. Police later confirmed that three suspects were arrested after two people, including a 17-year-old, were shot during the incident.
Other reported incidents included:
- Damage to buildings and vehicles in parts of Johannesburg.
- Alleged intimidation of residents and foreign nationals in some communities.
- Reports of attempted looting and attacks on businesses in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
- Arrests linked to looting and public violence.
Law enforcement agencies said investigations into several incidents remain ongoing.
SANDF Deployed in High-Risk Areas
As tensions increased during the afternoon, members of the South African National Defence Force were deployed alongside SAPS officers in identified hotspots.
The deployment formed part of broader security operations aimed at preventing further unrest following the demonstrations.
Police said officers remained on high alert throughout the evening as they monitored remaining protesters and responded to isolated incidents.
Government Yet to Respond to Six-Month Deadline
While government has repeatedly acknowledged public concerns around undocumented immigration and border management, it has maintained that immigration enforcement must take place within the framework of South African law.
Authorities have also warned that vigilantism, intimidation and attacks targeting individuals based on nationality remain criminal offences.
At the time of publication, government had not formally responded to March and March’s announcement that it intends holding weekly demonstrations for the next six months.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
The announcement suggests that Tuesday’s nationwide demonstrations may mark the beginning of an extended period of protest activity rather than a once-off event.
Should the planned weekly demonstrations proceed, Gauteng residents can expect continued police deployments, possible traffic disruptions and heightened security around approved protest routes.
Authorities are also likely to continue monitoring areas identified as potential hotspots while balancing public safety with the constitutional right to peaceful protest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did March and March announce?
The movement said it plans to hold protests every Thursday for the next six months while demanding stronger action against undocumented immigration.
Why is the movement protesting?
March and March is calling for stricter border security, increased immigration enforcement and greater funding for the Border Management Authority.
What is the movement asking government to do?
The group wants approximately 10,000 border officials to be deployed, stronger border infrastructure and tougher action against undocumented immigration.
Did the 30 June protests remain peaceful?
Many organised marches concluded peacefully, although isolated incidents of violence, looting and intimidation were reported in parts of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
Has government responded?
At the time of publication, government had not formally responded to the movement’s announcement of weekly protests.
Looking Ahead
Attention now shifts to whether the planned weekly demonstrations will proceed and how government responds to the movement’s six-month ultimatum. Law enforcement agencies are expected to continue monitoring protest activity across Gauteng and the rest of the country, while investigations into criminal incidents reported during the 30 June demonstrations remain ongoing.
