JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG — Driven by mounting frustrations over border control and national security, widespread South Africa anti-immigration protests erupted across the country today, with the March and March organization spearheading massive crowds demanding the immediate departure of undocumented foreign nationals.
What began as a small gathering quickly morphed into a fast-moving, high-energy procession in the Johannesburg CBD. Originating near the MTN taxi rank and Bears Noir Square, the crowds made their way toward Constitution Hill. The demonstrators, joined by members of the MK party and various religious organizations, chanted “Abahambe” and carried placards bearing slogans such as “African leaders are our curse.”
Despite explicit police directives prohibiting weapons at the demonstrations, some participants were visibly carrying sticks. To manage the high-stakes event and prevent any collisions with city traffic, the state has reportedly allocated R600 million toward private security, emergency medical services, and law enforcement deployments. While President Cyril Ramaphosa recently rolled out a five-point plan to tackle immigration loopholes, participants argued off the record that the government’s measures fall short of the decisive action required to secure the nation’s borders.
KUGOMPO CITY, EASTERN CAPE — In the Eastern Cape, organizers shifted their focus to KuGompo City, relocating the gathering from the initially registered Buffalo City Metro municipality. Law enforcement identified several regional hotspots requiring heavy monitoring, including Nelson Mandela Bay, Komani, and Matatiele.
The Eastern Cape Provincial Police Commissioner assured the public of absolute readiness, emphasizing a zero-tolerance approach to unrest following a previous march in April that resulted in violent clashes. “We are not going to wait for a second or even a first car to be tossed or a first person to be intimidated or a first road to be blocked,” the Commissioner stated, noting that police are working closely with neighborhood watches, the business community, and immigration officers in joint operational centers.
In a related crackdown ahead of the marches, police arrested between 200 and 300 undocumented individuals within a 24-hour window. Authorities are also actively escorting buses of migrants who are voluntarily repatriating to Malawi and Zimbabwe, ensuring their safe passage under strict security. The Commissioner reiterated that the protests are not a public holiday and no citizen is being forced to participate.
DURBAN, KWAZULU-NATAL — Meanwhile, in Durban, the march took on a deeply traditional tone as Amabuto—Zulu regiments—assembled to march down Flea Street, King Dinuzul Road, and West Street toward the Point area. Acting on the directives of King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, the regiments deployed in massive numbers to monitor the crowds and enforce discipline alongside leaders like Kona Dandaba and the March and March organizers.
Addressing security concerns regarding traditional attire, a senior member of the Amazulu royal house, clarified that the shields carried by the warriors are strictly symbols of peace and protection. He confirmed that dangerous weapons such as spears, knives, and firearms were strictly banned from the procession. The regimental leaders echoed this sentiment, pledging that there would be no looting, violence, or attacks on either South Africans or foreign nationals.
A massive security blanket was thrown over the KwaZulu-Natal marches, supported by police helicopters and over 10,000 Community Police Forum (CPF) patrollers securing both the CBD and surrounding townships and suburbs.
Addressing the national climate, President Cyril Ramaphosa released a statement following meetings with various political and traditional leaders. The Presidency reiterated that while the government acknowledges and respects the constitutional right to peaceful protest, the national government remains the sole authority responsible for enforcing migration laws. As the day progressed, authorities across all three provinces reported no major incidents, with organizers and law enforcement successfully keeping the nationwide demonstrations peaceful.