Rising Citizen Anger: South Africa’s Protests Against Illegal Immigration Intensify

In the past few days, South Africa has witnessed a significant wave of organised protests demanding action against illegal immigration. Grassroots movements and community leaders are mobilising citizens around issues of crime, unemployment, service delivery strain, 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, operating businesses without proper permits, and placing extra 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, organisers of these demonstrations insist that they only target undocumented and illegal immigration, not legal immigration done through proper channels, adding that the focus remains on enforcing existing laws and prioritising South African citizens.

The most prominent organisation driving the recent marches is the March & March Movement, founded and led by Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, a former radio presenter and civic activist from Durban. One of its founding members, Nkosikhona Ndabandaba, popularly known as Phakel’umthakathi, has been a consistent force in the movement. He recently played a prominent role in KwaZulu-Natal and at KuGompo in the Eastern Cape before helping lead actions in Gauteng.

Speaking to the media during the Johannesburg marches, Phakel’umthakathi said that the current visit was primarily to scan the area and assess the situation, adding that the group plans to return later this year to implement a more comprehensive strategy. He has given illegal foreigners until 30 June to leave South Africa voluntarily, intimating that those who remain will face the full wrath of the movement. While the full details of the plan are not yet public, he has hinted at actions that include entering shops across communities to verify business licenses and compliance.

Former Ukhozi FM presenter Ngizwe Mchunu has also been highly visible in leading the demonstrations alongside Phakel’umthakathi, directing processions through areas such as Hillbrow and the CBD, coordinating participants, and assisting in the delivery of memorandums to government offices.

During the marches, participants were seen chanting songs of war and, in some instances, licking traditional concoctions believed to offer protection, strength, and confidence. The protests have drawn thousands of participants and temporarily disrupted parts of city centres.

A separate group, the Concerned Citizens and the Voters of SA, has called for a nationwide shutdown on Monday, 4 May. Organisers are urging businesses, schools, and workers to close for the day and participate in or support demonstrations across 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 tougher immigration law enforcement.