Key Takeaways
- The anti‑illegal immigration group March and March insists it will go ahead with a national shutdown on 30 June, demanding that undocumented foreigners leave South Africa.
- Government officials, including Defence Minister Angie Motshekga and Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, urged calm while affirming the constitutional right to peaceful protest.
- An urgent meeting of the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster at the Union Buildings brought together ministers, senior officials, and protest‑organising groups to address rising demonstrations against undocumented migrants.
- March and March member Sanele Dube rejected accusations of xenophobia, framing the campaign as a national‑security issue and noting support beyond KwaZulu‑Natal, including Cape Town, Rustenburg and Limpopo.
- Ministers warned that protests must remain lawful, stressed the dignity of all individuals, and highlighted ongoing joint operations by Home Affairs and police to curb undocumented migration.
- Broader political trends show growing anti‑migrant sentiment, with groups such as Operation Dudula, ActionSA, the IFP and the MK Party backing stricter immigration controls and accusing the government of inaction.
Overview of the Planned Shutdown
March and March, a South African anti‑illegal immigration organisation, has announced that it will proceed with a nationwide shutdown on 30 June. The group is calling on all undocumented foreign nationals to vacate the country by that date, framing the action as a decisive response to what it perceives as an uncontrolled influx of illegal migrants. Despite government appeals for calm following high‑level talks, the movement insists the shutdown will go ahead as planned, arguing that the date is non‑negotiable and reflects the urgency felt by many South Africans who claim they have “had enough” of undocumented foreigners residing in the country.
Urgent Meeting at the Union Buildings
On Monday, ministers from the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster convened an urgent meeting at the Union Buildings in Pretoria to address the surge in protests against undocumented migration. The gathering included senior officials responsible for national security, as well as representatives from various political parties, community groups and associations that have been organising marches and demonstrations across the country. The primary aim of the meeting was to assess the growing demonstrations, discuss security concerns, and explore ways to mitigate tensions while respecting citizens’ constitutional rights to protest.
March and March’s Response to Defence Minister’s Remarks
Speaking on the sidelines of the meeting, March and March member Sanele Dube expressed concern over comments made by Defence Minister Angie Motshekga, who characterised the 30 June shutdown as “just another shutdown.” Dube argued that the minister’s remarks signalled a lack of seriousness on the part of the government toward South Africans’ demands. He asserted that the group feels ignored and that the government is not taking the public’s frustration seriously, reinforcing the movement’s resolve to carry out the planned action despite official calls for restraint.
Clarifying the Movement’s Intent
Dube went on to emphasise that March and March rejects accusations that its campaign is xenophobic or ethnically motivated. He stated that the call for undocumented foreigners to leave is centred on national security and the protection of South Africa and its citizens, rather than targeting any particular ethnic group. To illustrate the breadth of support, Dube noted that the movement’s leader, Jacinta Ngobese‑Zuma, had recently visited Cape Town where residents echoed similar concerns, and that gatherings are being organised in Rustenburg and plans are underway in Limpopo. He insisted the issue is “not a Zulu issue; it is a South African issue.”
Defence Minister’s Call for Peaceful Protest
During a media briefing on the same topic, Minister Angie Motshekga affirmed that South Africans possess a constitutional right to protest, including the planned action on 30 June, and said there was “nothing to panic about.” However, she cautioned that this right comes with responsibilities and warned against unlawful conduct during demonstrations, citing incidents that had already occurred in some marches. Motshekga stressed that while the government understands public anger and frustration, it remains committed to upholding law and order and urged protesters to exercise their rights peacefully and within legal boundaries.
Upholding Dignity and Managing Migration Responsibly
Motshekga further appealed for respect for the dignity of all individuals, recounting a disturbing image of a South African pepper‑spraying a foreign immigrant, which she said left her “terrified.” She reminded citizens that everyone, regardless of nationality, deserves humane treatment. The minister also characterised migration as an international phenomenon that South Africa must manage responsibly, acknowledging the serious challenges it poses while noting that it is a global trend requiring coordinated continental and national responses.
Justice Minister’s Rebuttal of Government Inaction Claims
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi rejected claims that the government had been passive on immigration, declaring, “We have not been lukewarm.” She pointed to ongoing joint operations conducted week in and week out by the Department of Home Affairs and law‑enforcement agencies, saying statistics exist to demonstrate concrete action against undocumented migration. Kubayi reiterated that groups retain the right to protest but urged organisers to notify authorities in advance about expected turnout and routes so that police can prepare adequately and prevent clashes.
Wider Political Context and Anti‑Migrant Sentiment
The article notes that anti‑migrant sentiment has gained political traction in recent years, with various groups arguing that foreign nationals are taking jobs and straining public services. Previous immigration‑linked protests have occasionally turned violent. In addition to March and March, organisations such as Operation Dudula, ActionSA, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and the MK Party have voiced support for tougher immigration controls. These groups accuse the government of failing to act decisively against undocumented migration and have demanded stricter visa regulations, a review of asylum policies, action against businesses employing undocumented migrants, accountability for corrupt police officers, and restrictions on public services for undocumented foreigners.
Implications and Outlook
The standoff between March and March’s planned shutdown and the government’s appeals for calm highlights a deepening societal debate over immigration, security and national identity. While officials affirm the right to protest and stress the importance of lawful, dignified demonstrations, the movement’s insistence on a hard deadline reflects growing public frustration that many feel is not being addressed through existing enforcement measures. As the 30 June date approaches, the balance between upholding constitutional freedoms, maintaining public order, and managing migration responsibly will remain a critical test for South Africa’s democratic institutions. Continued dialogue, transparent security operations, and efforts to address the underlying economic and service‑delivery concerns fueling anti‑migrant sentiment will be essential to prevent escalation and foster a more inclusive national conversation.