March and March announces weekly protests against migrants across South Africa

The leader of the March and March movement, Jasinta Ngobeze-Zuma, has announced the start of weekly protests against migrants across South Africa. These demonstrations are scheduled for Thursday and follow nationwide actions held on June 30th to draw attention to undocumented foreigners.

Scale of Protests and Arrests

More than twenty civil groups led by the March and March movement participated in protests across all nine provinces, demanding the deportation of illegal foreign nationals from South Africa. During law enforcement operations conducted parallel to the protests, over 900 people were detained. Police reported that the majority of those detained are undocumented foreigners, as well as individuals involved in robberies and other criminal activities.

Leader's Plans and Demands

Ngobeze-Zuma confirmed on Wednesday via social media that the main weekly demonstration will take place in Mthwalume on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Additionally, further actions are expected in Gauteng, including the areas of Mamelodi, Springs, Soweto, and Sophiatown. Speaking to protesters near the SAPS Point police station in Durban after thousands marched through the city on June 30th, Ngobeze-Zuma stated that the campaign will continue every week until the government responds to the movement's demands. She emphasized: 'As long as they are not gone, we will march every Thursday.'

Financial and Criminal Concerns

She also warned that if authorities continue to deploy a large number of police officers to monitor the demonstrations, it will lead to increased state expenditure. Ngobeze-Zuma suggested: 'We hope the government has a budget for another 600 million rand,' adding that the constant presence of illegal immigrants will require continuous security measures. Furthermore, Ngobeze-Zuma accused the open sale of drugs in some communities and stated that crime associated with illegal immigration remains a serious issue for the movement's supporters.

Official and Expert Reaction

Meanwhile, the police stated their readiness to control 'every situation' following the announcement of continued weekly protests until the government removes illegal immigrants from South Africa. The Chairperson of the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NatJoints), Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, noted that the authorities have taken note of the movement's intention to continue protests. She assured that the South African Police Service (SAPS), together with other law enforcement agencies, is ready to uphold law and order.

Mosikili reported that SAPS collaborates closely with various stakeholders, including the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), private security companies, and community structures within long-term operational programs. She mentioned a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) called 'Eyes and Ears,' which includes work with private security companies. She stressed that the South African Police Service retains responsibility and constitutional mandate for maintaining law and order in the country, while any other law enforcement agencies act in its support and complement where necessary.

The senior police official acknowledged the plans of the March and March movement to continue protests, noting that the movement publicly announced its intention to hold marches over the next six months. Mosikili added that the authorities will continue to monitor every situation and support every citizen who wishes to exercise their rights in accordance with Sections 16 and 17 of the Constitution during demonstrations, processions, pickets, and other related events. She also clarified that the authorities will work with private security companies, the SANDF, and the Department of the Interior.

Immigration Expert's Suggestions

Immigration expert Dr. Gideon Chitinga proposed that the South African government engage both documented and undocumented immigrants in a structured dialogue. In his view, this would help better understand the reasons for migration and find opportunities for joint economic contribution from immigrants and South Africans. Chitinga also highlighted the need to address broader structural problems, including eliminating external factors driving irregular migration and improving the efficiency of institutions handling immigration in South Africa.

He emphasized that the government should consider significant factors, especially relations with neighboring countries from which many undocumented immigrants arrive. Chitinga stated that external migration factors must be viewed in a broader context that considers regional issues such as diplomatic relations, regional trade, and integration. He warned that the deterioration of these relations could significantly affect trade and ultimately harm the South African economy.

Chitinga concluded that the debate on immigration is shaped by two different issues: the excessive noise surrounding immigration and the interests behind the institutions leading these debates. He called for substantive interaction at the political level between immigration institutions, government departments, and civil society, including activists, academics, and think tanks. He reiterated the call for creating dialogue platforms with both groups of immigrants, as they better understand the situation in their areas and economic sectors, and can help identify ways to collaborate with the local population.

iol.co.zaJuly 1, 06:50

Local residents protest in Johannesburg demanding action against illegal immigration

Protests erupted among local residents in Johannesburg, who demanded that the authorities take decisive measures against undocumented immigrants. During the march, which proceeded from the city center of Joburg to the Hillbrow and Yeoville areas, rising tensions were observed, including instances of dumpster arson and stone-throwing.

Main Concerns of Protesters

Participants in the march, which called for illegal immigrants to leave South Africa, pointed to several serious issues. These included crime, overcrowding in local medical facilities, and street drug dealing. The protest started in the Jeppestown city center and included stops in Hillbrow, Berea, and Yeoville, concluding with a speech in Kwa Mai Mai on Tuesday.

Street Situation and Reaction

In the Hillbrow areas of Johannesburg, slogans demanding the immediate deportation of illegal immigrants from South Africa were heard. Although the protest itself was relatively peaceful overall, the tension was palpable: some local residents allegedly threw stones and bottles at demonstrators, and some in the crowd retaliated. The police were repeatedly forced to intervene to maintain order.

Views of Residents and Experts

A Hillbrow resident, Mamiki Modau, who observed the protest from a police station, expressed dissatisfaction with the South African government, stating that the authorities are ignoring citizens' requests. She also worried about the economic situation of ordinary South Africans, who are facing difficulties while graduates remain unemployed.

Elizabeth Sibiya highlighted the strain on public services, especially in healthcare. She reported that nurses at the Hillbrow Clinic are overworked and underpaid, and that most clinic visitors are unregistered foreigners. Nokukhanya Mpande, a social worker, noted the employment issue: NGOs often prefer foreigners, leading to unemployment among local social workers because foreigners are paid significantly less than South African citizens.

Calls and Actions by Authorities

Ngizwe Mchunu, who led the Johannesburg leg of the protests, praised participants for their commitment to the self-deportation policy of illegal immigrants. He urged people not to engage in acts of vandalism. The South African Police Service previously announced several arrests related to robbery and attempted robbery, reflecting general tension amid economic hardship. The Ministry also confirmed that the South African Police Service (SAPS) was closely monitoring the planned nationwide marches.

iol.co.zaJune 30, 20:09

Afrika Mayibuye Movement calls anti-immigration rallies the largest protest since 1994

The Afrika Mayibuye Movement expressed support for the nationwide 'March and March' campaign against illegal immigration, stating that the demonstrations held on Monday were the largest act of protest in South Africa since the start of democracy in 1994.

Praise for Campaign Leadership

On Tuesday, the organization issued a statement highly commending the campaign leaders: Jacinta Ngobeze-Zulu, Nkosinxono Ndabandabu, known as Fakel’umtakati, and Ngizwe Mchunu. They were recognized for conducting a peaceful, well-organized, and successful day of action against illegal and undocumented immigration.

Demands and Movement Stance

The movement emphasized that the campaign managed to mobilize thousands of South African citizens across the country, putting forward a 'unified and resolute call to restore order, sovereignty, and provide services to South African citizens.' The Afrika Mayibuye Movement stated that its views align with the concerns of ordinary South Africans, criticizing politicians who, in their view, downplay or distort the motives of the protests.

Rebuttal of External Funding

Furthermore, the organization rejected claims by some political parties and civil society organizations that the protests were funded or coordinated by external forces. Mayibuye stated that these actions represent the genuine voice of the common people, not the result of 'conspiratorial and sometimes foolish distortions' made by corrupt and misguided politicians.

Demonstration Outcomes

According to members of the movement, they participated in marches across the country without showing opportunism, and predictions about the demonstrations potentially turning violent proved unfounded. The statement noted that 'those who predicted violence were deeply disappointed by the discipline and order demonstrated during the events.' In conclusion, the organization praised the campaign leadership and called on 'March and March' and civil society to continue the fight against illegal and undocumented immigration.

Overall Context of Debates

The demonstrations held on Tuesday are part of a growing national discussion concerning immigration law enforcement, border management, and the provision of public services. These protests have elicited reactions from political parties, civil society organizations, and government officials, revealing deep disagreements regarding the issues raised and the overall tone of the campaign. Supporters argue that the marches reflect growing public dissatisfaction with illegal immigration, crime, overburdened public services, and weak border control. Critics, however, warn that the rhetoric surrounding the campaign could provoke xenophobia and violence against foreigners, even though organizers insist that their focus is specifically on undocumented immigration, not migrants in general.