Leader of March and March movement Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, together with hundreds of ActionSA, IFP and other civic organisations, are are marching to the Gauteng Provincial Legislature over alleged crimes linked to illegal foreign nationals and unauthorised religious leaders
Image: Simon Majadibodu/IOL
More than 500 members of the controversial anti-migrant group March and March are marching to the Gauteng Provincial Legislature to highlight the impact of crimes that they claim are linked to foreign nationals and unauthorised religious leaders.
The march follows a similar demonstration on Tuesday, when hundreds of people took to the streets of Pretoria in a protest organised by the group, heading towards the Union Buildings, the official seat of government.
March and March handed over a memorandum at the Union Buildings, bringing a day-long protest through Pretoria to a close.
The demonstration, which began at Burger’s Park before moving through Sunnyside, grew in numbers but remained peaceful under heavy police monitoring.
Members of the anti-migrant group March and March gathered at the Fitzgerald Square in Newtown
Image: Simon Majadibodu/IOL
The group was calling for tighter immigration controls, including stricter visa regulations, a review of asylum policies, and action against businesses employing undocumented foreign nationals.
Meanwhile, protesters have warned they will intensify their actions against illegal immigration if the government fails to respond to their demands.
Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla confirmed that more than 500 people are expected to attend Wednesday’s protest.
The march began at 10am and is expected to disperse at 1pm at Beyers Naudé Square.
Members at the protest
Image: Simon Majadibodu/IOL
Fihla said the march will proceed from the assembly point along the following route: starting at Mary Fitzgerald Square on Henry Nxumalo Street, continuing along Henry Nxumalo Street, turning left onto Marshall Street, then left onto Pixley ka Isaka Seme Street, right onto Helen Joseph Street, and ending at Beyers Naudé Square.
He said JMPD officers will be positioned at key intersections to manage traffic flow and reduce congestion.
“Motorists should expect delays near the Market Theatre, Sci-Bono and the Premier’s Office,” Fihla said.
“The JMPD, in coordination with SAPS Public Order Policing, will monitor the area to ensure participant safety and protect surrounding businesses.”
He said motorists are advised to avoid the Newtown and Johannesburg CBD corridor on the morning of April 29, 2026, and to use alternative routes while following directions from JMPD officers.
Anti-migrant sentiment has gained political traction in recent years, with some claiming that foreign nationals are taking jobs and unfairly benefiting from public services.
Previous protests linked to immigration have sometimes escalated into violence.
Xenophobia has long been an issue in South Africa, occasionally erupting into deadly violence.
Meanwhile, speaking during his Freedom Day address at Dr Rantlai Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein over the weekend, President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on South Africans to stand against xenophobia and uphold the law, warning that concerns over illegal migration must not turn into prejudice against fellow Africans.
This comes as South Africa faces a wave of attacks on foreign nationals in cities such as Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town and East London, with Ghana and Nigeria raising official complaints.
“We did not walk alone into freedom. We were carried by a tide of solidarity from the nations of Africa, among many others.
“These countries opened their borders to our liberation fighters. They shared their bread and their homes. They spoke for us when we could not speak for ourselves. The leaders and people of Africa kept our struggle alive.
“It cannot be, and it must never be, that we trample into the dust the African fellowship that made our freedom possible.
“We are a people who live the value of ubuntu. We should never allow the legitimate concerns of our communities about illegal migration to breed prejudice towards our fellow Africans.
“We must not allow these concerns to give rise to xenophobia directed towards people from other African countries or any part of the world. Instead, we must insist that the law be upheld and enforced.”
Ramaphosa said the government is working to address illegal migration and tackle corruption in the system.
“We are clamping down on illegal migration and on businesses that flout our laws by hiring undocumented persons at the expense of our citizens,” he said.
“We are actively rooting out corruption in our immigration system. We will not allow people to take the law into their own hands. We extend hospitality to those who are guests in our country, with the expectation that generosity is honoured with respect for our society and its laws.
“As a nation that defeated colonialism and apartheid through international solidarity, we carry a responsibility to advance constitutional values beyond our borders.”
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
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