Over the past few days, South Africa has seen a significant wave of organized protests demanding action against illegal immigration. Grassroots movements and community leaders are mobilizing citizens over issues of crime, unemployment, service delivery tensions and national resource allocation.
Protesters point to South Africa's high unemployment rate, which remains above 30%, as a central concern. They argue that large numbers of undocumented foreigners are competing for low-skilled and informal sector jobs, running businesses without proper permits, and putting additional pressure on already overstretched public services such as healthcare, education and housing in townships and urban areas.
While some citizens are calling for all immigrants to leave, organizers of these demonstrations say they only target undocumented and illegal immigration, not legal immigration done through proper channels, adding that the focus is on enforcing existing laws and prioritizing South African citizens.
The most prominent organization running the recent marches is the March and March Movement, which was founded and led by former Durban radio presenter and civic activist Jacinta Ngobse-Zuma. One of its founding members, Nkosikhona Ndabandaba, popularly known as Fakel'umthakathi, has been consistently active in the movement. He most recently held a leading role in KwaZulu-Natal and Kugompo in the Eastern Cape before helping in leadership roles in Gauteng.
Speaking to media during the Johannesburg march, Phakel'umthakathi said the current trip was primarily to scan the area and assess the situation, adding that the group planned to return later this year to implement a more comprehensive strategy. He has given illegal aliens until June 30 to voluntarily leave South Africa, and informed that those who remain will face the full wrath of the movement. Although full details of the plan have not yet been made public, they have hinted at actions that may include entering stores in communities to verify business licenses and compliance.
Former Ukhozi FM presenter Ngizwe Mchunu has also been highly visible alongside Phakel'umthakathi in leading demonstrations, directing marches through areas such as Hillbrow and the CBD, coordinating participants and assisting in delivering memorandums to government offices.
During the march, participants were seen singing war songs and in some cases licking traditional concoctions believed to bestow protection, strength and confidence. The protests attracted thousands of participants and temporarily disrupted parts of the city centre.
A different group, concerned citizens and voters of SA, have called for Nationwide shutdown on Monday, May 4. Organizers are urging businesses, schools and workers to close for the day and not participate in or support demonstrations in major cities. They plan to hand over a comprehensive memorandum to the ANC at Luthuli House and other government offices, demanding immediate mass deportations and stricter immigration law enforcement.