The South African civic movement March and March has rejected accusations that its nationwide anti-illegal immigration protests are motivated by xenophobia or racial bias, insisting that its campaign seeks equal enforcement of immigration and municipal laws for all foreign nationals.
The clarification comes after demonstrations intensified across several parts of the country this week, prompting criticism from some observers who argued that the movement appeared to focus primarily on migrants from neighbouring African countries while overlooking other foreign-owned businesses operating in townships.
In a statement, the organisation said its position is based on legal compliance rather than nationality, ethnicity or socioeconomic status.
According to the movement, immigration legislation and municipal bylaws should be applied consistently to every non-South African citizen, regardless of their country of origin.
Organisers argued that perceptions of selective enforcement often arise because undocumented migration and informal trading are more visible in densely populated urban areas where many African migrants live and work.
Movement calls for equal application of immigration laws
Responding to questions about why business owners from countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Ethiopia and Somalia were not specifically targeted, the movement said it does not distinguish between different nationalities.
Instead, it called on the Department of Home Affairs and local municipalities to conduct comprehensive audits of trading licences, asylum permits and business registrations held by foreign nationals from South Asia, the Middle East, East Africa, Europe and neighbouring African countries.
The organisation said illegal business operations, tax evasion and undocumented immigration should be addressed consistently because they undermine South Africa’s economic governance regardless of the nationality of those involved.
March and March also reiterated that its activities are intended to remain peaceful and lawful.
The group condemned any individuals or organisations using its name to promote xenophobia, violence, intimidation, extortion or harassment, stating that restoring the rule of law must itself be achieved through lawful means.
Campaign expected to continue
The movement said Tuesday’s nationwide demonstrations were designed to draw attention to what it described as long-standing weaknesses in border management and municipal law enforcement.
It argued that reports of some foreign nationals voluntarily returning to their home countries or regularising their immigration status demonstrate the impact of visible law enforcement.
However, the organisation maintained that government efforts should become permanent rather than temporary responses to public pressure.
Looking ahead, March and March said it plans to continue its campaign through additional engagements in Mpumalanga and discussions with the Gauteng provincial government.
The movement also intends to establish local monitoring teams that will observe municipal inspections relating to trading licences, zoning compliance and other regulatory matters, while maintaining that these activities will be conducted peacefully and within the law.
The demonstrations have reignited national debate over immigration enforcement, border management and the balance between public safety, economic regulation and the rights of migrants living in South Africa.
Source: Adapted from statements issued by March and March.