DURBAN, KwaZulu-Natal — As the 46th Ordinary SADC Summit convenes in Durban, the civic movement March and March has staged a high-profile protest demanding that African leaders prioritize the escalating crisis of mass migration across the continent. The demonstration, secured by a heavy law enforcement presence at the Durban City Hall, seeks to compel regional heads of state to address the underlying conflict and economic drivers fueling the cross-border movement of people.
Spokespersons for the movement argued that African leaders must be held directly accountable for the current regional migration crisis. Activists voiced strong frustration over what they perceive as a governmental bias toward illegal, undocumented foreigners, questioning why authorities are not doing more to assist struggling South African citizens before accommodating external pressures.
Addressing potential criticisms, March and March representatives firmly stated that their advocacy is not rooted in xenophobia. Instead, they emphasized a strict demand for robust border controls and the consistent, impartial enforcement of existing immigration laws. The group noted that their ongoing campaigns have already yielded tangible results, leading to the voluntary repatriation and deportation of thousands of undocumented individuals, predominantly from Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi.
Highlighting the everyday concerns of local residents, the activists stressed that South Africans are exhausted by feeling unsafe and unprotected in their own communities. The movement clarified that they welcome properly documented foreign nationals who contribute positively, abide by the law, and respect the country. However, they strongly oppose individuals who allegedly exploit national resources with the sole intention of returning home once their objectives are achieved.
Looking forward, March and March announced plans to escalate their campaign against undocumented immigration. The civic organization has formally submitted a memorandum to the government, issuing a strict one-week deadline for officials to provide a substantive response to their demands.
