Anti-foreigner groups marched in the East Rand on Monday rejecting President Cyril Ramaphosa's immigration reforms and warning businesses to end the employment of all foreign nationals, including those with valid documentation, by June 30.
On Monday, 8 June, anti-foreigner marches continued in Ekurhuleni's industrial centers including Boksburg, Springs and Benoni. The protest also included members of the March and March, as well as the All Truck Drivers Forum and Allied South Africa (ATDF-ASA).
The demonstration began on Monday morning on Benoni's Main Reef Road, where marchers moved from one business to another and stopped to chat with business owners. Many marchers carried golf clubs, wooden sticks and sjambok while walking under SAPS escort. There was a peaceful atmosphere throughout the day and no incidents of violence or unrest were reported.
The protest followed President Cyril Ramaphosa's address on Sunday, which focused on cracking down on illegal immigration and protecting local workers. He said the government would increase workplace inspections to prevent companies from hiring undocumented immigrants and punish employers who break the law.
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Ramaphosa also warned against vigilance and intimidation of foreign nationals. On Monday, marchers largely rejected his policy reforms.
Read more We will do better, Ramaphosa promises, as another anti-foreigner protest is set to take place on June 7, 2026. According to organizers, the aim of the march was to urge businesses to end their employment of foreign nationals, regardless of their documentation status, before June 30, 2026.