KWAZULU-NATAL, South Africa — The “March and March” movement has officially launched a series of nationwide demonstrations across South Africa, initiating weekly protests to pressure the government into taking decisive action against illegal immigration. Organizers of the “March and March” rallies have set a firm December deadline for authorities to address the growing influx of undocumented foreign nationals and the associated socioeconomic challenges impacting local communities.
A Coordinated National Campaign
Led by movement leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, the campaign kicked off with at least 25 simultaneous marches in various regions on the KwaZulu-Natal south coast and areas within Mpumalanga. While Ngobese-Zuma acknowledged that some foreign nationals have already departed the country, she stressed that a significant number remain. To sustain their momentum and keep the pressure on, the movement has committed to holding weekly marches every Thursday. Furthermore, organizers are preparing to roll out a dedicated citizen hotline designed to allow the public to report unlawful activities connected to undocumented immigrants.
Economic Frustrations and Employment Grievances
A primary driver of the protests is the deep economic frustration felt in both deep rural and urban communities. During the rallies, local residents voiced strong grievances regarding the informal retail sector. Protesters highlighted that foreign-owned shops and businesses predominantly employ their own undocumented countrymen, severely limiting job opportunities for South Africans. Citizens expressed that despite having education and skills, locals are left unemployed and confined to their homes with their children, while foreign business owners thrive by hiring exclusively from their own communities. The demonstrators are calling for these business owners to return to their home countries, allowing South Africans to take over the enterprises and create local employment.
Government Intervention and Law Enforcement Warnings
In response to the escalating situation, the KwaZulu-Natal Premier has been actively touring communities to mediate tensions and educate the public. During a recent engagement the Premier agreed that individuals residing in the country illegally must be deported. However, he cautioned the public that some foreign nationals possess legal documentation. He urged residents to act as the “eyes and ears” of the police rather than taking the law into their own hands, emphasizing that citizens are neither authorized nor compensated to enforce the law.
Siyanda Biyela, the spokesperson for the National Community Policing Forum (CPF), reinforced this stance. He praised the peaceful decorum of the protesters and the way South Africans have risen up to protect their society, but he issued a strict warning that anyone found committing crimes during the demonstrations will face immediate arrest.
Public Health and Consumer Safety Concerns
Beyond economic and immigration issues, the protests have also spotlighted severe public health and consumer safety concerns. In Mpumalanga, community members forced several shops to close and removed food products from the shelves following the tragic deaths of two local residents who consumed contaminated biscuits.
Addressing this crisis, CPF spokesperson Siyanda Biyela pointed out the regulatory challenges surrounding the goods sold by some foreign nationals. He called upon foreign ambassadors and high commissioners to intervene, urging them to act as custodians of their citizens and ensure that those trading in South Africa strictly adhere to local health, safety, and operational standards.