The South African protest movement March and March has called for nationwide demonstrations over undocumented immigration, while also announcing a Men’s March on Wednesday, September 30, to protest the killing of women, gender-based violence and crime.
March and March had previously declared September 30 as a “deadline” for undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa. However, the group has no legal authority to impose such a deadline. Decisions concerning immigration status, deportation and enforcement of immigration laws remain the responsibility of the relevant government authorities.
President Cyril Ramaphosa said Monday that South Africa could not allow itself to become known for xenophobia, intolerance and violence. He urged citizens to uphold the constitutional principles of non-racialism, equality, democracy and human dignity. He also reiterated his opposition to violence against women, rape and murder.
March and March has specifically called on men to participate in the September 30 demonstrations, arguing that men should speak out rather than remain silent in the face of violence against women and gender-based violence. The group has announced plans for marches in several areas, including Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
The planned demonstrations have raised concerns among foreign nationals and refugees in several areas, particularly Durban.
On September 3, tensions erupted between March and March supporters and migrants and refugees living outside the Department of Home Affairs refugee offices on Che Guevara Road in Durban. Police used crowd-control measures, including tear gas and rubber bullets, to separate the two groups. Several people were injured and at least one person was arrested.
The confrontation occurred during a March and March “clean-up” campaign targeting the area where hundreds of refugees and asylum seekers had been staying. Reports said police formed a barrier between the protesters and the migrants as tensions escalated.
The situation remained tense in the following days. On September 10, March and March supporters again marched toward the refugee camp, prompting a heavy police presence to prevent another confrontation.
South African police have said normal law-enforcement operations will continue on September 30 and that protesters must conduct their activities within the law. March and March has also said it intends to keep its demonstrations peaceful.
The South African government has separately acknowledged illegal immigration as a significant policy challenge and said it is intensifying enforcement against violations of immigration and labour laws. President Ramaphosa has said the government is increasing efforts to identify and deport undocumented foreign nationals while also strengthening border security and immigration administration.
Against this backdrop, foreign nationals living in South Africa—including members of the Bangladeshi community—are being advised to exercise caution around planned demonstrations and large gatherings, avoid protest locations where possible, limit unnecessary travel during periods of heightened tension and follow instructions from local authorities and police.
With September 30 approaching, authorities will face the task of maintaining public order while ensuring that demonstrations are conducted within the law and that vulnerable migrant and refugee communities are protected from violence.
