March and March vows weekly protests over illegal immigration as the movement intensifies pressure on the South African government to address undocumented migration. Speaking after a mass demonstration in Durban on Tuesday, movement leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma announced that supporters would return to the streets every Thursday until government acted on their demands.

The announcement followed nationwide demonstrations organised by the movement, which has called for stronger immigration enforcement and the removal of undocumented foreign nationals from South Africa. Thousands of supporters participated in marches across several cities, with organisers describing the protests as peaceful and successful despite isolated incidents of unrest in some areas.

Ngobese-Zuma said the campaign would continue for as long as government failed to implement stricter immigration measures, arguing that South Africans were facing mounting economic and social pressures linked to irregular migration.

March and March protests continue nationwide

The March and March protests have become one of the most prominent public campaigns focusing on immigration policy in South Africa.

Addressing supporters outside SAPS Point in Durban, Ngobese-Zuma thanked demonstrators for what she described as a disciplined and united protest.

She declared that the movement had no intention of ending its campaign until authorities responded to its demands.

“For as long as they haven’t left, we are marching every Thursday,” she told the crowd.

The movement had previously set 30 June as the deadline for undocumented immigrants to leave South Africa voluntarily. Following the expiry of that deadline, organisers say weekly demonstrations will now form part of a sustained pressure campaign.

According to organisers, the marches are intended to remain peaceful and focused on policy change rather than violence.

Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma outlines movement’s demands

Calls for stronger immigration enforcement

Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma said the movement’s primary objective is to encourage government to strengthen immigration controls and enforce existing laws regarding undocumented migration.

She argued that authorities must prioritise the interests of South African citizens while ensuring immigration regulations are properly implemented.

Ngobese-Zuma also criticised what she described as government’s failure to adequately address concerns raised by communities over several months.

She warned that continued police deployments to monitor demonstrations could place an increasing financial burden on the state.

“We hope government has budget for another R600 million,” she said, referring to the resources required for future protest policing.

Her remarks reflected growing frustration among supporters who believe government has been slow to respond to their concerns.

Concerns over undocumented immigrants South Africa

A major focus of the campaign remains the issue of undocumented immigrants South Africa.

Ngobese-Zuma argued that irregular migration places pressure on healthcare, education, employment opportunities and other public services.

She claimed that South African citizens increasingly struggle to access services because government resources are under strain.

Among the concerns raised by the movement were allegations that:

• Public healthcare resources are overstretched.
• Youth unemployment remains critically high.
• Criminal networks exploit weak border controls.
• Illegal drugs continue entering vulnerable communities.
• Government has failed to enforce existing immigration legislation.

These claims form part of the movement’s broader argument that stronger immigration enforcement would improve public safety and economic opportunities.

Government authorities have consistently stated that immigration enforcement must be conducted within the framework of South African law and the Constitution.

Employment concerns dominate campaign

Employment remains one of the central issues highlighted during the demonstrations.

Ngobese-Zuma argued that South Africans should receive greater priority in sectors experiencing high levels of unemployment.

She referred to provisions contained within the Employment Services Act, which regulates the employment of foreign nationals by requiring employers to establish that suitably qualified South Africans are unavailable before hiring foreign workers requiring work visas.

The movement questioned employment practices across several industries, including:

• Restaurants
• Agriculture
• Fuel stations
• Trucking
• Clothing and textile manufacturing
• E-hailing services

According to Ngobese-Zuma, these industries should create more opportunities for South African citizens.

She also called for legislation aimed at reserving township businesses primarily for South Africans.

Illegal immigration protests draw diverse support

The illegal immigration protests attracted supporters from different racial, cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Addressing the crowd, Ngobese-Zuma emphasised that participants represented communities from across South Africa.

She described the demonstrations as evidence that many South Africans share similar concerns regarding unemployment, public services and border management.

Supporters carried placards calling for immigration reform while urging government to address economic challenges affecting local communities.

Organisers maintained throughout the event that the demonstrations should remain peaceful.

Movement rejects accusations of xenophobia

One of the key messages delivered during Tuesday’s protest involved rejecting allegations that the movement promotes xenophobia.

Ngobese-Zuma insisted that the campaign targets undocumented migration rather than foreign nationals generally.

She argued that the movement supports legal migration while opposing unlawful entry into the country.

“This is not xenophobia and it is not ethnic mobilisation,” she told supporters.

She described the campaign as promoting what she called “true and real Pan-Africanism,” arguing that every African country has the right to enforce its immigration laws.

Human rights organisations have previously urged caution regarding anti-immigration rhetoric, warning that public messaging should avoid increasing tensions between communities.

South Africa migration policy under renewed scrutiny

The demonstrations have once again placed South Africa migration policy at the centre of national debate.

South Africa has long faced challenges balancing humanitarian obligations, regional migration pressures, labour market demands and border security.

Government has repeatedly stated that immigration reform remains under review while border management systems continue to be strengthened.

Policy debates have increasingly focused on:

• Border security
• Documentation processes
• Asylum applications
• Labour market regulation
• Regional migration agreements
• Deportation procedures

Analysts believe these issues are likely to remain politically significant in the coming months.

Economic pressures drive public debate

Beyond immigration, the protests reflected broader economic frustrations.

South Africa continues to experience:

• High unemployment
• Rising living costs
• Youth unemployment above 40%
• Pressure on municipalities
• Slow economic growth

Many supporters argued these challenges have intensified public concern regarding immigration management.

Economists, however, generally note that unemployment and economic performance are influenced by multiple factors, including investment levels, economic growth, education, infrastructure and labour market conditions.

Weekly demonstrations expected

The movement has now committed to holding demonstrations every Thursday until government responds.

Organisers say future protests will continue to focus on:

• Immigration enforcement
• Border security
• Employment opportunities
• Public safety
• Government accountability

Authorities are expected to continue monitoring demonstrations to ensure public safety while protecting the constitutional right to peaceful protest.

Police have urged organisers to comply with all legal requirements governing public gatherings.

Government response awaited

At the time of publication, government had not formally responded to the movement’s announcement regarding weekly demonstrations.

Officials have previously stated that South Africa remains committed to enforcing immigration laws while protecting constitutional rights and maintaining public order.

Authorities have also emphasised that criminal activity should be addressed through law enforcement rather than vigilantism.

Observers expect further engagement between government, civil society and community organisations as public debate surrounding migration continues.

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Conclusion

March and March vows weekly protests over illegal immigration signals a new phase in the movement’s campaign to influence South Africa’s immigration policies. Led by Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, supporters say they will continue demonstrating every Thursday until government takes stronger action against undocumented migration.

The campaign has reignited debate over undocumented immigrants South Africa, employment, public services and South Africa migration policy. While organisers insist the protests are peaceful and not motivated by xenophobia, the issue remains highly sensitive, with authorities, civil society groups and community leaders calling for lawful, peaceful engagement.

As weekly demonstrations continue, immigration policy is likely to remain one of South Africa’s most closely watched political and social issues.