South Africa’s anti-illegal immigration movement, March and March, has warned that it could organise a nationwide shutdown if the government fails to respond to its demands following a planned three-month campaign of weekly demonstrations.
The announcement comes after nationwide protests held on 30 June, which authorities had feared could develop into widespread unrest but ultimately remained largely peaceful across most parts of the country.
Speaking to supporters in Zulu, March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma said the June demonstrations were never intended to be a national shutdown but instead marked the beginning of a sustained campaign aimed at pressuring the government to address concerns over irregular immigration.
She said the movement plans to hold peaceful protests every week over the next three months before deciding whether to escalate its actions.
Movement outlines demands on immigration and local economy
March and March said it intends to use the campaign to engage political parties, municipalities and government departments on stricter immigration enforcement and broader policy reforms.
Among its key demands are a national dialogue on irregular migration, stronger enforcement of immigration laws, municipal by-laws that prioritise township economic opportunities for South African citizens, and expanded operations by the South African Police Service and the Department of Home Affairs in central business districts and properties allegedly occupied unlawfully.
The organisation also said it wants to educate communities about the legal consequences of assisting or harbouring undocumented immigrants.
Ngobese-Zuma warned that if the government does not respond after the three-month campaign, the movement could organise what she described as a “real national shutdown”, although no date has been announced.
The organisation maintains that future demonstrations will remain peaceful while urging supporters to continue participating in public protests.
Government previously deployed security to prevent unrest
Tensions surrounding illegal immigration have intensified across South Africa over the past year, with March and March emerging as one of the country’s most visible protest movements since its formation in 2025.
Ahead of the 30 June demonstrations, the government placed security forces on high alert amid concerns that the protests could resemble the widespread unrest experienced during the July 2021 riots.
Authorities increased police and military deployments to identified hotspots, while President Cyril Ramaphosa met with community leaders, traditional leaders and protest representatives in an effort to reduce tensions.
Although the demonstrations proceeded without large-scale national disruption, authorities reported isolated incidents of violence and criminal activity.
According to reports, at least one person died in incidents linked to the protests, more than 900 people were arrested and businesses—particularly within township economies—suffered financial losses running into millions of rand.
Following the demonstrations, March and March said it had organised more than 120 marches nationwide since its establishment, claiming that over 98% had taken place without violence.
The organisation said its next phase will consist of peaceful marches, pickets and public awareness campaigns while awaiting the government’s response to its proposals.
Government officials have not announced any changes to immigration policy in response to the movement’s latest statement.
Source: BusinessTech