GQEBERHA, EASTERN CAPE — The March and March Movement has officially escalated its campaign against Eastern Cape Home Affairs immigration failures, marching to the local Refugee Centre to deliver a strict memorandum of demands regarding the government’s handling of undocumented foreign nationals and border enforcement.
Members of the movement gathered at the Home Affairs Refugee Centre in Gqeberha to hand over their petition, slamming the South African government for what they describe as a systemic failure to enforce immigration laws. At the core of their protest is a demand for a comprehensive investigation into allegations of fraudulent and improperly issued immigration documents.
Spokespersons for the March and March Movement outlined a strict list of demands aimed at overhauling the current system. They are calling for the immediate strengthening of verification procedures for all visas, permits, asylum documentation, and other immigration records. Furthermore, the movement wants the government to establish effective, accessible mechanisms that allow members of the public to confidently report suspected immigration fraud.
During the handover, movement leaders expressed deep concern over the apparent lack of enforcement against individuals whose visas, permits, or other documentation have expired or are invalid. They are also demanding full transparency regarding how the state identifies and processes persons who are unlawfully present in the country.
Addressing the growing friction between South African citizens and foreign nationals, spokespersons for the movement warned that the situation is reaching a critical boiling point. They urged the government to intervene and solve the problem at a lower, localized level before it escalates. The leaders cautioned that without immediate action, the rising tensions are a matter of time away from sparking uncontrolled violence, bloodshed, and potentially “ungovernable” situations in certain areas.
The movement has issued a strict seven-day deadline for the Department of Home Affairs to respond to their demands.
In response to the ultimatum, a spokesperson for the Department of Home Affairs requested an urgent meeting between departmental officials and the leaders of the march. The Home Affairs spokesperson stated that the proposed meeting aims to discuss the issues raised in the memorandum, get clarity on specific points made by the protesters, and explain the department’s official role in addressing the crisis.
Despite the request for a meeting, the March and March Movement has vowed to strengthen its actions and continue protesting until the government fully concedes to their demands.
