Key Takeaways
- Over 500 members of the anti‑migrant group March and March marched to the Gauteng Provincial Legislature on 29 April 2026 to demand stricter immigration controls.
- The protest followed a similar demonstration in Pretoria the previous day, during which the group delivered a memorandum to the Union Buildings.
- Police monitored the march closely, advised motorists to avoid the Newtown‑Johannesburg CBD corridor, and positioned officers at key intersections to manage traffic and ensure safety.
- Demonstrators warned of intensified action if the government does not meet their demands for tighter visa regulations, asylum‑policy reviews, and sanctions against businesses employing undocumented foreigners.
- Anti‑migrant sentiment has risen in South Africa, occasionally spilling into xenophobic violence, prompting President Cyril Ramaphosa to condemn prejudice and reaffirm the country’s commitment to ubuntu, law‑enforcement, and regional solidarity.
Overview of the Protest
On the morning of 29 April 2026, more than 500 participants from the controversial anti‑migrant organization March and March assembled at Mary Fitzgerald Square on Henry Nxumalo Street in Johannesburg. The group set out at 10 a.m., intending to march toward the Gauteng Provincial Legislature to draw attention to what they describe as a surge in crimes linked to foreign nationals and unauthorised religious leaders. Organisers characterised the march as a peaceful demonstration aimed at pressuring provincial authorities to adopt tougher immigration measures.
Route and Police Coordination
The march proceeded along a predefined route: from Mary Fitzgerald Square, participants turned left onto Marshall Street, then left onto Pixley ka Isaka Seme Street, right onto Helen Joseph Street, and finally arrived at Beyers Naudé Square, where the dispersal was planned for 1 p.m. Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla confirmed that officers would be stationed at key intersections to manage traffic flow, reduce congestion, and safeguard both marchers and the surrounding public. Fihla emphasized that the JMPD would work in tandem with SAPS Public Order Policing to maintain order and protect local businesses.
Traffic Impact and Public Advisory
Authorities warned motorists to expect delays near prominent landmarks such as the Market Theatre, Sci‑Boo Discovery Centre, and the Premier’s Office. The JMPD advised drivers to avoid the Newtown and Johannesburg CBD corridor on the morning of the protest and to use alternative routes while following directions from police officers on site. By positioning traffic controllers at strategic points, the police aimed to minimise disruption to commuters and ensure that emergency services could move freely if needed.
Previous Demonstration in Pretoria
The march in Johannesburg followed a similar demonstration held the day before in Pretoria, where hundreds of protesters gathered and proceeded toward the Union Buildings, the official seat of government. During that event, March and March handed over a memorandum outlining their demands, which included tighter visa regulations, a comprehensive review of asylum policies, and decisive action against businesses that employ undocumented foreign nationals. The Pretoria protest remained peaceful, thanks to a strong police presence and effective crowd‑management tactics.
Group’s Core Demands
Throughout both demonstrations, the group’s central message called for stricter immigration controls. Participants argued that undocumented immigrants are taking jobs away from South Africans and unfairly accessing public services such as healthcare and housing. They urged the government to enforce existing immigration laws more rigorously, to penalise employers who hire illegal workers, and to reconsider asylum procedures that they claim are being abused. Protesters warned that if the authorities failed to respond satisfactorily, they would escalate their actions, potentially leading to larger, more frequent demonstrations.
Broader Context of Anti‑Migrant Sentiment
Anti‑migrant sentiment has gained political traction in South Africa over recent years, with some factions claiming that foreign nationals depress wages and strain public resources. Previous protests centred on immigration have occasionally erupted into violence, reflecting deep‑seated tensions. Xenophobia has periodically flared into deadly attacks, particularly in major urban centres such as Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town, and East London, prompting diplomatic complaints from nations like Ghana and Nigeria. The resurgence of such hostility has raised concerns among human‑rights groups about the erosion of social cohesion and the risk of targeted violence against African migrants.
Presidential Response and Call for Ubuntu
Addressing the nation during his Freedom Day speech at Dr Rantlai Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein, President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned xenophobia and urged South Africans to uphold the law while rejecting prejudice toward fellow Africans. He reminded the audience that South Africa’s liberation was bolstered by solidarity from other African nations, which opened borders, shared resources, and advocated for the struggle against apartheid. Ramaphosa stressed that legitimate concerns about illegal migration must not devolve into xenophobic attitudes, reinforcing the country’s founding principle of ubuntu—the belief in communal humanity and mutual respect. He affirmed that the government is actively clamping down on illegal migration, rooting out corruption within the immigration system, and ensuring that businesses comply with employment laws, while also extending hospitality to law‑abiding foreigners conditional on respect for South African statutes.
Government Measures and Future Outlook
In line with the president’s remarks, authorities have pledged to intensify raids on enterprises that hire undocumented workers, to tighten visa issuance procedures, and to improve inter‑agency coordination to detect and prosecute immigration‑related fraud. Officials also announced plans to conduct public awareness campaigns aimed at dispelling myths about migrants and highlighting their contributions to the economy. Nevertheless, the persistence of groups like March and March signals that the debate over immigration will remain a contentious issue, requiring balanced policies that address legitimate security and labour‑market concerns while safeguarding human rights and preserving South Africa’s tradition of continental solidarity.
Conclusion
The recent march by March and March to the Gauteng Provincial Legislature underscores the ongoing pressure on South African authorities to confront public anxieties surrounding immigration. While demonstrators demand stricter controls and accountability for employers of undocumented workers, the government, led by President Ramaphosa, emphasizes law‑enforcement, anti‑corruption efforts, and the need to uphold ubuntu and regional brotherhood. The interplay between grassroots activism, official response, and societal attitudes will shape the trajectory of immigration policy and social harmony in the months ahead. Afri‑centric diplomacy, effective policing, and inclusive public discourse will be essential to prevent the legitimate desire for orderly migration from devolving into xenophobic conflict.