The civic organisation March and March has formally petitioned Parliament to demand stricter immigration enforcement, claiming that systemic management failures and the employment of undocumented immigrants have negatively impacted national stability. Led by former radio journalist Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, the group is pushing for urgent reforms to border control, municipal oversight, and labour law enforcement.
Parliamentary Response And Legislative Process
Mosa Chabane, Chairperson of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs, confirmed that the committee has received the petition and will subject it to the standard parliamentary process. During a recent media briefing, Chabane emphasised that while citizens possess constitutional rights to raise concerns, all protest and advocacy efforts must strictly adhere to the legal framework.
South Africans are not xenophobic. We are protected by the Constitution to raise any matter of concern, but we must do that within the framework of the law.
The movement has faced significant public scrutiny, particularly regarding its unofficial, non-legally binding deadline of 30 June 2026 for undocumented immigrants to exit the country. The group has announced a three-month plan involving ongoing dialogues and protests, with Ngobese-Zuma stating while speaking at a recent public appearance: “For as long as they haven’t left, we are marching every Thursday.”
Community Impact And National Context
Since its formation in 2024, March and March has utilised the slogan “Abahambe”—meaning “they must go”—to advocate for mass deportations and increased border security. Critics have expressed concern that the group’s rhetoric risks inciting violence and social friction, citing previous instances of intimidation and looting linked to anti-migrant demonstrations across the country.
The organisation maintains that its campaign is focused on addressing legitimate grievances surrounding unemployment and the strain on public infrastructure. Legislative authorities are expected to review the petition in the coming weeks to determine if any policy adjustments align with current national immigration laws.