Demonstrators are calling for stricter action against illegal immigration during the march in Johannesburg.
Image: Simon Majadibodu/IOL
ActionSA has rejected claims that it is using anti-migrant sentiment to gain political support, as it joined a mass protest led by controversial anti-migrant group March and March, in Johannesburg over alleged crimes involving undocumented foreign nationals.
The protest is led by March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese.
They are protesting to the Gauteng Provincial Legislature over alleged crimes involving undocumented foreign nationals and unauthorised religious leaders.
The party’s national spokesperson, Lerato Ngobeni, made the remarks on Wednesday during the march, which comes amid growing concern about the rise of anti-migrant rhetoric in South Africa.
Some analysts argue that political parties are increasingly using such sentiment to mobilise voters ahead of upcoming elections.
Thousands of demonstrators gathered at Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown before marching to the legislature.
Participants included members of March and March, ActionSA and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP).
Demonstrators carry placards calling for stricter action against illegal immigration during the march in Johannesburg.
Image: Simon Majadibodu/IOL
Protesters carried placards reading: “No illegal immigration” and “President, illegal immigrants are killing us.”
Speaking to IOL News, Ngobeni rejected claims that the party is exploiting anti-migrant sentiment for political gain.
“We have been part of the March and March for quite some time, and a few weeks ago we were in KwaZulu-Natal as well,” she said.
Ngobeni stated that ActionSA consistently raises concerns about illegal immigration and its impact on communities, particularly in Johannesburg.
“It only follows because that is really what our creed is and our values,” she said.
ActionSA was founded by Herman Mashaba, who served as Johannesburg mayor from August 2016 to November 2019 after resigning from the Democratic Alliance (DA), pointing irreconcilable differences over race and redress.
ActionSA spokesperson Lerato Ngobeni responds to criticism during the demonstration in the Johannesburg CBD.
Image: Simon Majadibodu/IOL
He launched ActionSA on 29 August 2020 and currently serves as the party’s mayoral candidate for the City of Johannesburg.
Ngobeni said the party supports initiatives aimed at pressuring the government to improve immigration management.
“We’ve always been championing this particular matter. We support any movement in South Africa that wants to push the government to do better in managing our immigration system,” she said.
Responding to critics who say such rhetoric fuels xenophobia, Ngobeni dismissed the claims.
“We’ve got nothing to say to them. We have been dealing with this issue for quite some time, irrespective of campaigning,” she said, adding that Mashaba had prioritised the issue during his tenure as mayor.
Several shops close along Kerk and Rissik streets as marchers pass through the Johannesburg city centre.
Image: Simon Majadibodu/IOL
She also rejected suggestions that the party is xenophobic.
“We know we are not xenophobic. We are dealing with issues affecting South Africans,” she said, referring to the recent disappearance of Mazwi Kubheka, a 27-year-old spaza shop owner from Vosloorus who went missing on April 2.
According to reports, Kubheka disappeared while on his way to deposit rent money and purchase stock in Marimba Gardens.
Ngobeni said the party is responding to concerns raised by communities.
“If people want an academic debate, there are institutions for that. We are focused on what South Africans are saying,” she said.
The march took place under heavy police and metro police presence.
Tensions escalated in the Johannesburg CBD, where members of the March and March group, some carrying sjamboks, ordered foreign shop owners to close their businesses.
On Kerk Street and Rissik Street, protesters attempted to force shop closures.
However, police intervened and managed to stabilise the situation.
On Albertina Sisulu Road and Simmons Street, several businesses shut down as tensions rose and threats intensified.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
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