South Africa on Edge as 'March and March' Protests Fuel Rising Anti-Migrant Tensions

The Surge of 'March and March' Protests Across Major Cities

South Africa finds itself grappling with a wave of demonstrations led by the citizen-led movement known as March and March. In recent weeks, particularly throughout April and early May 2026, protesters have taken to the streets in key urban centers including Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town. These marches, often numbering in the hundreds or even thousands, have centered on demands for stricter immigration controls and the deportation of undocumented foreign nationals. Participants, donning branded T-shirts and carrying placards, have converged on symbolic sites such as the Union Buildings in Pretoria and Mary Fitzgerald Square in Johannesburg, chanting slogans that highlight frustrations over job scarcity, overburdened public services, and rising crime rates.

The movement's name evokes persistence—'march and march' until change occurs—and its activities have disrupted daily life, prompting many migrant-owned businesses to shutter temporarily out of fear of looting or confrontation. In Durban, the protests drew support from Zulu traditional regiments, adding a cultural dimension to the displays of national pride. While organizers insist their actions are peaceful and targeted solely at illegal immigration, the events have heightened anxieties nationwide, evoking memories of past unrest.

Origins and Leadership of the March and March Movement

Founded in 2025 by Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, a former radio presenter from Durban with experience at stations like Gagasi FM and Vuma FM, March and March positions itself as a grassroots advocacy group focused on immigration reform. Ngobese-Zuma, who has a background in civic activism, launched the initiative to amplify citizen concerns about undocumented immigration straining national resources. The group's website outlines a mission rooted in 'fairness, national integrity, and prioritizing citizens first,' with calls for enhanced border enforcement and community empowerment.

From humble beginnings on social media, where it built a following exceeding 500,000, the movement has organized over 20 national events, including rallies and forums across all nine provinces. Crowdfunding efforts, such as a BackaBuddy campaign raising over R13,000, have sustained operations. Allies like Operation Dudula, a similar vigilante-style group, and figures from Amabhinca Nation have bolstered its visibility. Ngobese-Zuma has faced legal scrutiny, including a recent police handover in Durban, but remains defiant, emphasizing that verification of migrant status is the government's duty, not citizens'.

A Timeline of Key Protest Events in 2026

The escalation began in early April 2026 with a demonstration in Durban following a tragic incident involving two children at an apartment complex allegedly linked to foreign ownership, sparking outrage over building safety and informal sector dominance. By April 28, hundreds marched in Pretoria to the Union Buildings, handing over a memorandum demanding mass deportations.

On April 29, Johannesburg saw similar action at Mary Fitzgerald Square, with protesters calling for visa overhauls and workplace raids. Durban protests intensified mid-May, backed by traditional Zulu attire, while Cape Town witnessed gatherings outside parliament on May 8. These events, peaking around Freedom Day, have included 'citizen arrests' and pickets, though most remained non-violent.

• April 1: Violent clash in KuGompo over a disputed 'coronation,' involving March and March.
• April 14: Large Durban march against undocumented presence.
• April 28-29: Pretoria and Johannesburg peaks.
• May 2026: Ongoing Durban and Cape Town actions amid diplomatic tensions.

Underlying Grievances: Unemployment, Crime, and Resource Strain

At the heart of the protests lie deep-seated economic woes. South Africa's official unemployment rate stood at 31.4% in Q4 2025—the lowest in five years but still among the world's highest—with youth unemployment exceeding 60%. Protesters argue that undocumented migrants, estimated at 3 to 5 million (with total migrants around 2.4 million or 4% of the population), undercut locals in informal sectors like spaza shops, construction, and domestic work.

Crime perceptions fuel the fire, with claims that 60-70% of organized crimes involve foreigners, though official data disputes direct causation. Internal migration studies show higher crime correlations in high-migrant areas, but experts note poverty as the root. Overburdened services—healthcare, housing, education—exacerbate feelings that newcomers receive undue benefits. Ngobese-Zuma has highlighted these, urging accountability in resource allocation.

Perspectives from the Migrant Community

Migrants, primarily from Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho, Nigeria, and Ghana, express profound fear. Leaders like Olaniyi Abodedele of the Nigerian Union advise staying indoors and closing shops, citing profiling regardless of legal status. A Nigerian shop owner lamented, 'We are brothers... just trying to survive,' while security guards worry about safety in 'our own African continent.'

Many contribute economically—migrant households generate billions in income, filling labor gaps—but face harassment. Ghana and Nigeria issued advisories for heightened vigilance, reflecting broader continental unease.

Photo by Micha Humbel on Unsplash

Government and Law Enforcement Response

The government has ramped up enforcement: The Border Management Authority (BMA) deported over 109,000 undocumented individuals in the past two years (2024/26), a 46% surge, with 57,784 in 2025/26 alone. Operations like New Broom deploy 10,000 labor inspectors to sectors employing migrants. President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned prejudice in his Freedom Day speech, while Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni warned against violence and fake news inciting unrest.

Police promise 'no mercy' for instigators, monitoring protests closely. International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor engages affected nations on migration push-pull factors. Self-deportation is encouraged to avoid re-entry bans, with tech like drones and biometrics enhancing controls. For more on BMA efforts, see the official Home Affairs statement.

Historical Context: Cycles of Xenophobic Violence

South Africa's xenophobia traces to post-apartheid competition for resources, peaking in 2008 riots (62 deaths, 100,000 displaced) and 2015 attacks. Roots lie in apartheid-era labor migration and economic inequality. Movements like Operation Dudula (2022) preceded March and March, often flaring during elections or crises. Experts view it as 'boundary construction,' scapegoating migrants amid governance failures.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres decried 'violence and vigilantism,' recalling African solidarity against apartheid. Detailed timeline available in DW's analysis.

International and Diplomatic Repercussions

Nigeria, Ghana, and Mozambique issued safety warnings, summoning SA envoys. Regional bodies urge restraint, fearing tourism and trade hits. SA rejects 'xenophobia' labels, framing concerns as legitimate immigration issues. Presidency spokesperson insists South Africans aren't inherently xenophobic, pointing to global migration challenges.

Economic Realities: Migrants' Contributions vs. Perceptions

While protesters decry job theft, studies show immigrants less likely to commit crimes and more prone to entrepreneurship, creating jobs. Migrant households contribute R433 billion annually, per Stats SA. Skilled migration could boost GDP, but undocumented flows strain systems. Balanced policy—targeted visas, integration—could harness benefits.

Expert Insights and Pathways Forward

Sociologists like Cici Sebego call for addressing structural inequality to reverse scapegoating. Analysts urge introspection: locals may employ or buy from migrants unwittingly. Solutions include robust integration, misinformation combat, job creation via infrastructure, and dialogue forums. Civil society groups like Lawyers for Human Rights advocate coordinated state-civil efforts. For deeper reading, Daily Maverick's profile on the movement.

Photo by souley Binkas on Unsplash

• Enhance BMA capacity and tech.
• Job programs targeting youth.
• Media literacy against fake news.
• Regional migration pacts.
• Community dialogues for cohesion.

Outlook: Balancing Rights, Security, and Prosperity

As protests persist ahead of local dynamics, South Africa stands at a crossroads. Constructive policy—deporting illegals while welcoming skilled contributors—could defuse tensions. Fostering ubuntu amid diversity remains key to averting escalation. Stakeholders must prioritize dialogue over division for a stable future.