March and March unveils three-month migration plan after the organisation’s National Executive Committee (NEC) approved a comprehensive strategy aimed at tackling irregular migration in South Africa over the next three months. The plan follows nationwide demonstrations held on June 30 and outlines a series of actions that include public protests, political engagement, municipal lobbying, cooperation with law enforcement agencies, and public awareness campaigns.

The movement says its new roadmap reflects lessons learned from the June 30 mobilisation and represents a long-term campaign to influence South Africa immigration policy while encouraging stricter enforcement of existing immigration laws.

During a special NEC meeting held on Friday, July 3, the organisation formally adopted the strategy after reviewing reports from its organising and mobilisation committee. While minor amendments were made, the movement reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing what it describes as lawful and peaceful advocacy against irregular migration.

March and March Movement adopts national action strategy

The March and March Movement said the newly adopted three-month programme is intended to coordinate nationwide activities while strengthening engagement with communities, government institutions and political parties.

According to the movement, the plan emerged after reflecting on the outcomes of the June 30 migration marches, during which civic organisations and various groups organised demonstrations across South Africa calling for stronger border control and tougher enforcement against undocumented immigration.

In its statement, the movement said it intends to maintain momentum through sustained public participation.

It also reaffirmed its willingness to work with political parties that support stronger action against irregular migration.

“The movement reaffirms its position to engage with all political parties that are not hostile to the agenda against irregular migration,” the statement read.

Leaders believe continued cooperation with lawmakers and community organisations will help place immigration reform firmly on the national agenda.

National demonstrations remain central to campaign

One of the most significant elements of the plan is the expansion of peaceful demonstrations across the country.

The movement announced that it intends organising protests, picketing campaigns and public awareness blitzes in major economic centres throughout South Africa over the coming months.

Anti-illegal immigration protests to continue

The movement said peaceful mobilisation remains one of its primary methods of influencing government policy.

According to the NEC, demonstrations will continue in provinces nationwide to maintain pressure on authorities to address concerns surrounding irregular migration South Africa.

Organisers believe sustained public participation demonstrates widespread concern among citizens regarding border management, immigration enforcement and employment opportunities.

The organisation encouraged supporters to continue participating peacefully while respecting South African law.

National dialogue planned on irregular migration South Africa

Another major pillar of the strategy involves hosting a National Dialogue in Gauteng.

The movement says discussions will involve various stakeholders, community organisations and political parties to examine:

• Causes of irregular migration
• Economic impact
• Labour market concerns
• Border security
• Possible policy reforms
• Long-term immigration solutions

According to organisers, bringing together multiple stakeholders could create broader consensus regarding future immigration policy.

The dialogue is expected to include civil society representatives alongside political organisations willing to participate in discussions.

Political engagement to shape South Africa immigration policy

The movement also intends expanding discussions with political parties represented across South Africa.

Meetings with political parties

During July, meetings have been earmarked with:

• African Transformation Movement (ATM)
• United Democratic Movement (UDM)
• National Freedom Party (NFP)

According to the organisation, additional meetings may follow with other parties that support stricter immigration enforcement.

The movement says these discussions are designed to encourage political consensus regarding immigration legislation and enforcement.

The objective, according to the organisation, is for political parties to “sing from the same hymn book” regarding implementation of immigration laws.

Municipal by-laws form part of migration strategy

The action plan also targets local government.

March and March says it intends engaging municipalities together with the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta).

Its proposal includes encouraging municipalities to consider by-laws reserving township economic opportunities for South African citizens.

Supporters argue such measures would prioritise local economic participation.

Critics, however, have previously argued that any municipal regulations must remain consistent with South Africa’s Constitution and existing national legislation.

The movement says discussions with municipalities will continue over coming months.

Cooperation with SAPS and Home Affairs

A significant part of the strategy involves cooperation with government institutions.

Operations targeting undocumented migration

The movement says it plans engaging:

• South African Police Service (SAPS)
• Department of Home Affairs

According to the statement, discussions will focus on operations in:

• Central business districts
• Private dwellings where legally authorised
• Hijacked buildings
• Areas identified through law enforcement investigations

The movement believes greater cooperation between communities and authorities could strengthen enforcement of existing immigration laws.

The organisation also referred to deportation efforts as part of its proposed strategy.

Public encouraged to report suspected immigration violations

Another initiative involves public participation through information sharing.

The movement announced plans to launch communication channels allowing members of the public to submit information concerning companies allegedly employing foreign nationals unlawfully.

According to the organisation:

• WhatsApp reporting channels will be introduced.
• Community members will be able to submit information.
• Internal research teams will review reports.
• Information deemed credible will be forwarded to relevant authorities.

The movement says this initiative is intended to support intelligence-driven law enforcement rather than direct community action.

Community education campaign planned nationwide

Beyond demonstrations, March and March also intends launching community education programmes.

Educating South Africans on immigration laws

The organisation says it wants communities to better understand:

• Immigration legislation
• Employer responsibilities
• Legal consequences of assisting undocumented migrants unlawfully
• Economic development initiatives
• Township revitalisation projects

Leaders believe greater public understanding of immigration law could improve cooperation between communities and authorities.

The movement also plans promoting what it describes as township economy revitalisation initiatives alongside other stakeholders.

June 30 migration marches praised by organisers

The NEC thanked participants who joined demonstrations held on June 30.

According to the movement, more than 120 marches were organised nationwide by civic organisations and community groups.

Organisers described the demonstrations as peaceful and successful.

The movement said those events demonstrated widespread public concern regarding immigration policy and encouraged supporters to remain involved during the next phase of campaigning.

The June demonstrations now serve as the foundation for the organisation’s expanded national strategy.

Strong rhetoric accompanies campaign

The statement concluded with strong language encouraging supporters to continue advocating for policy reform.

The organisation called on South Africans to unite against what it described as lawlessness and irregular migration.

Its statement included the phrase:

“It will either be our blood or victory.”

The remark has attracted public attention because of its forceful wording.

While the movement emphasised peaceful demonstrations throughout its strategy, the phrase reflects the intensity with which organisers view the immigration debate.

Immigration remains a major national issue

The announcement comes amid ongoing national discussions surrounding South Africa immigration policy, border management and labour market pressures.

Immigration remains one of the country’s most debated political topics, with differing views among political parties, civil society organisations, business groups and human rights advocates.

Supporters of stricter enforcement argue that undocumented migration places pressure on employment opportunities, housing, healthcare and public services.

Others stress that immigration challenges should be addressed through lawful enforcement while protecting constitutional rights and avoiding discrimination against legally documented foreign nationals.

Government has also been reviewing immigration legislation through policy reforms that include new visa categories, electronic travel authorisation systems and updated immigration frameworks.

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What happens next?

The next three months are expected to determine how successfully the movement implements its national programme.

Its strategy combines political lobbying, peaceful demonstrations, community engagement and cooperation with government departments.

Whether the proposed initiatives influence future South Africa immigration policy remains to be seen.

For now, March and March unveils three-month migration plan as it seeks to maintain momentum generated by the June 30 migration marches, expand discussions around irregular migration South Africa, and continue advocating for stricter enforcement of existing immigration laws.

As the campaign unfolds, attention will focus on the planned national dialogue, engagement with political parties, municipal lobbying efforts, and the movement’s continued programme of peaceful demonstrations across the country.

References from mainstream media

1. Reuters – South Africa’s anti-migrant protesters march nationwide after thousands flee violence
   https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/south-african-cities-shuttered-ahead-anti-migrant-protests-2026-06-30/
2. Reuters – What is behind South Africa’s anti-immigrant protests?
   https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/what-is-behind-south-africas-anti-immigrant-protests-2026-06-26/
3. Al Jazeera – More than 900 arrested during South Africa’s antimigrant protests
   https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/7/2/more-than-900-arrested-during-south-africas-antimigrant-protests