Calls for tighter border control and the deportation of undocumented immigrants took centre stage in Durban on Monday as the March and March Movement demanded that government declare a state of emergency over illegal immigration.
Addressing members of the media at the Garden Court Umhlanga on 25 May, March and March president and founder Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma said South Africans were “tired of empty promises” and accused government of failing to protect the country’s borders.
The movement, which initially gained traction through social media before expanding into nationwide protest action, held the briefing just hours after meeting with the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster. However, Ngobese-Zuma dismissed the engagement as nothing more than a “tick-box exercise” with little intention of producing meaningful change.
Framing the briefing as an “alternative State of the Nation Address”, the organisation tabled a list of demands which it wants government to meet by 30 June, the same day the movement plans to embark on mass protest action across the country.
Among the demands is an immediate halt to the processing of refugee applications within 14 days, as well as the deportation of all undocumented immigrants residing in South Africa.
The movement also criticised the Border Management Authority, describing it as underfunded, understaffed and ineffective in dealing with porous borders. Ngobese-Zuma called for a dramatic increase in immigration officers, tougher border enforcement measures and for the authority to expand its operations inland instead of focusing only on ports of entry.
She further urged government to construct a secure border fence and declare a national state of emergency, arguing that the influx of undocumented immigrants had placed pressure on public services, employment opportunities and community safety.
“We demand that the sovereignty of our country be protected. South Africa is currently being invaded,” said Ngobese-Zuma.
“South Africans have become refugees in their own country while tuck-shop mafias do as they please. South Africans are not xenophobic nor are they violent. They have been patient with government for far too long. Foreign nationals have abused our mercy and kindness, and it ends now.”
The remarks are expected to spark strong debate, particularly amid growing tensions around immigration, unemployment and crime in parts of the country. Critics have previously warned that rhetoric around undocumented immigrants risks fuelling xenophobic violence, while supporters of the movement argue that government has failed to address long-standing concerns around border security and illegal immigration.
The March and March Movement has indicated that further demonstrations and nationwide mobilisation efforts are expected in the lead-up to its planned 30 June protest action.
