South Africa is facing growing social tensions after anti-illegal-immigration movement March and March confirmed that it will proceed with a planned nationwide shutdown on 30 June despite urgent government intervention efforts.
The announcement followed a high-level meeting held this week at the Union Buildings involving ministers from the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster, as authorities attempt to contain escalating protests linked to illegal immigration.
The movement, which emerged in early 2025, has intensified demonstrations in recent months, demanding the mass deportation of undocumented foreign nationals living in South Africa.
Government officials, political organisations, community groups, and protest leaders gathered in Tshwane on Monday to discuss ways to reduce tensions and prevent unrest from spreading further.
However, despite the engagements, March and March confirmed that the national shutdown would continue as planned.
Government urges protests to remain lawful
Angie Motshekga acknowledged public frustration over illegal immigration but warned that demonstrations must remain peaceful and within the boundaries of the law.
She said South Africans have a constitutional right to protest and strike, but stressed that such rights come with responsibilities.
“As much as South Africans have the right to strike, and their anger and frustration are understood, all protests must take place within the framework of the law,” Motshekga said.
The minister added that peaceful demonstrations are legally protected regardless of the date, including the planned 30 June shutdown.
Authorities remain concerned that the protests could trigger violence or broader instability, particularly as tensions between local communities and foreign nationals continue to rise in some areas.
The movement insists its campaign targets illegal immigration rather than foreign nationals in general, rejecting accusations of xenophobia.
Protest organisers argue that undocumented migration has contributed to unemployment, crime, and pressure on public services in South Africa.
Demands include mass deportations and tighter borders
March and March has called for stricter border controls, increased immigration enforcement, and the immediate deportation of undocumented migrants.
Movement leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma said authorities should force deported individuals to cover their own travel costs to discourage repeated illegal entry into the country.
She also questioned long-standing refugee claims made by some foreign nationals residing in South Africa.
Meanwhile, migrant community groups have accused some protesters of intimidation and unlawfully forcing foreign nationals out of homes and neighbourhoods.
Human rights organisations and political analysts have warned that anti-immigration protests in South Africa have historically carried the risk of xenophobic violence, particularly during periods of economic hardship and high unemployment.
South Africa continues to face severe socio-economic challenges, including one of the world’s highest unemployment rates, rising living costs, and persistent crime concerns. These pressures have increasingly fuelled public anger surrounding immigration policy and border management.
Analysts say the government now faces the difficult challenge of balancing public frustration, constitutional rights, national security concerns, and the protection of vulnerable communities as the planned shutdown approaches.
Source: Adapted from public statements and government briefing reports.