The organisers behind Tuesday’s mass anti-illegal immigration march have vowed to take to the streets every Thursday for the next six months until government implements what they describe as decisive action to address illegal immigration and ensure that undocumented foreign nationals leave South Africa.
The announcement came as thousands of demonstrators concluded a peaceful march through Durban’s CBD on Tuesday, bringing to an end the much-publicised 30 June shutdown without the violence and looting many had feared.
Led by Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma and activist Phakela “Umthakathi”, the march began at King Dinuzulu Park before moving through the city centre to Point Police Station. Throughout the procession, organisers repeatedly urged supporters to remain disciplined, avoid violence and refrain from damaging businesses or intimidating members of the public.
Addressing supporters at the end of the march, March and March leaders declared that Tuesday’s demonstration marked the beginning—not the end—of their campaign. They announced that supporters would protest every Thursday for the next six months until government introduces lasting solutions to illegal immigration and ensures that all undocumented foreign nationals have left the country.
The group’s demands mirror calls it has made in recent months for stricter immigration enforcement, faster deportation processes and greater accountability from government departments responsible for border management and immigration enforcement.
Businesses across the Durban CBD remained closed during the march, while workers stood outside watching thousands of protesters make their way through the city. By midday, the march had reached the Point precinct, an area long associated with drug-related crime. The normally busy streets were unusually quiet, with shops shuttered and no visible presence of foreign nationals as SAPS, Metro Police and other law enforcement agencies maintained a heavy security presence.
Outside Point Police Station, eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba and Deputy Mayor Zandile Myeni received the memorandum from the demonstrators. Xaba reiterated that while the City respected residents’ constitutional right to protest, any criminal activity would be dealt with by law enforcement.
Ngobese-Zuma commended supporters for maintaining discipline throughout the day, saying the peaceful demonstration showed that communities could voice their frustrations without resorting to violence. Phakela “Umthakathi” echoed those sentiments, thanking marchers for honouring the organisers’ call for calm and unity.
Meanwhile, more than 100 Malawian nationals remained at the Durban Drive-In repatriation centre as processing continued. Along the perimeter fence, at least four people who arrived late on Monday night remained outside the facility, saying they feared for their lives as they waited to be admitted into the camp under ongoing security measures.
Although Tuesday’s march ended peacefully, the organisers’ announcement of weekly demonstrations signals that pressure on government over illegal immigration is far from over. If carried through, the Thursday protests are set to continue for the next six months until the movement says its demands have been met.
