Johannesburg – Scores of protesters gathered at Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown on Wednesday, marching against illegal immigration in Johannesburg’s central business district.
According to Eyewitness News, the group — comprising members of ActionSA and civic organisation March and March — called for the deportation of undocumented migrants.
Protesters then made their way to the Gauteng Legislature to submit their second memorandum of demands.
Speaking to SABC, one of the group’s leaders, Senzo Mchunu, said that the protest was not directed at legally documented foreign nationals.
“We are not targeting documented foreigners, but the government must ensure that all foreign nationals are documented,” he said.
“South Africans must be prioritised, particularly when it comes to public resources such as hospitals, clinics and schools.”
WATCH | SABC News reporter Lopang Alamu is tracking March and March protesters as they march to the Gauteng Legislature. pic.twitter.com/fTl3DuY0fc
— SABC News (@SABCNews) April 29, 2026
Addressing supporters outside the legislature, March and March movement leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma criticised those she believed enabled undocumented migrants to remain in the country.
“Who do you say must leave when you are the one supporting them not to leave?” she asked.
WATCH | March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma is addressing supporters gathered at the Gauteng Legislature. pic.twitter.com/VjY5KnjGsV
— SABC News (@SABCNews) April 29, 2026
Ngobese-Zuma also raised concerns about relationships between South Africans and foreign nationals.
“When we start fighting for our nation, you are the ones who criticise us… if these marriages are about love, then they can happen in their foreign nations,” she said.
Another leader, Phakelumthakakathi speaking to PSAFLIVE, encouraged men attending the march to take responsibility within their communities.
“You don’t need to be in a political position to be a leader. As men, we are leaders in this country,” he said.
“You don’t need to be in political position to be a leader as man we are leaders in this country”
Phakelumthakakathi encouraging South African men who are attending the March and March. pic.twitter.com/cNcDJIndG2
— PSAFLIVE (@PSAFLIVE) April 29, 2026
The march formed part of ongoing calls by the groups for stricter immigration enforcement and policy intervention.
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Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi
