The March and March movement has warned that pressure on the South African government will intensify if authorities fail to respond to its demands on immigration and border control before 30 June.
Speaking during a media briefing in Durban, March and March spokesperson Nhlanhla Mqadi said the organisation believes government has not presented a meaningful plan to address immigration-related concerns raised by communities across the country.
The movement confirmed that demonstrations will continue nationwide, with the next planned protest set to take place in Mpumalanga on 4 June.
Mqadi said members of the movement were dissatisfied following discussions held earlier with the justice cluster, arguing that officials failed to provide practical solutions or timelines.
He said government should focus on implementing immigration measures rather than preparing security responses against demonstrators.
Mqadi criticised suggestions that soldiers could be deployed during future protests, saying authorities should instead strengthen action at border points where undocumented individuals are entering the country.
The movement is also calling on President Cyril Ramaphosa to address the nation directly on immigration and border management concerns.
According to Mqadi, the campaign will continue applying pressure even after the June deadline should government fail to act.
“We are putting pressure on government because they are the ones with the authority to make changes,” he said during the briefing.
Mqadi added that citizens expect improved living conditions and stronger governance when they cast their votes during elections.
The spokesperson further questioned the effectiveness and coordination of agencies tasked with immigration enforcement, including the Border Management Authority and police services, saying enforcement appeared limited once undocumented individuals were already inside the country.
March and March is also demanding a temporary halt to refugee and asylum seeker applications while authorities address undocumented immigration.
Mqadi alleged that asylum permits were being abused by some foreign nationals to operate businesses and employ other asylum seekers in South Africa.
The movement dismissed accusations of xenophobia linked to its protests and campaigns.
Mqadi argued that genuine xenophobic acts would result in criminal cases and arrests, adding that protesters were instead demanding enforcement of immigration laws and constitutional rights for South Africans.
“There are South Africans who are crying for their rights that are enshrined in the constitution,” he said.
The briefing also addressed speculation around political involvement within the movement. Activist Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma was said to have received interest from several political parties, but maintains that her involvement is driven by concern over government intervention on immigration issues rather than politics.
March and March also indicated that it plans to participate in the upcoming local government elections and encouraged South Africans to vote.
