A large-scale “March and March” demonstration in Pretoria on 30 June 2026 remained largely peaceful, despite the event being marked by hostile chants directed at foreign nationals. Protesters moved from Church Street through the city centre, passing Tshwane House before congregating at the Sunnyside police station to submit a memorandum to local government officials.
Organisers Vow Ongoing Campaign
Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, the leader of the “March and March” movement, confirmed that the demonstration was intended as the start of a sustained campaign against undocumented migration. During the event, she issued a stark warning regarding the movement’s long-term intentions.
“Every Thursday, for the next six months, we are marching until they are gone,” said Ngobese-Zuma.
Participants expressed deep-seated frustration regarding economic conditions, with one protester questioning the efficacy of short-term measures. “What does it help if they hide today, only to return tomorrow to trade and steal from us again?” the participant stated.
Context And National Security Response
The Pretoria march formed part of a nationwide series of protests coordinated by groups including Operation Dudula, which had issued an unofficial ultimatum for the removal of undocumented migrants by the end of June. While the capital city remained relatively orderly, other regions across Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal experienced isolated incidents of looting, vandalism, and clashes with law enforcement.
Authorities deployed significant security resources, including air support and tactical units, to manage the protestors and prevent the escalation of violence seen during the July 2021 riots. The persistence of these demonstrations highlights ongoing social and economic tensions in South Africa, where high unemployment rates have frequently been linked to anti-immigrant sentiment. Security forces are expected to maintain a heightened presence in major urban centres as organisers prepare for further weekly actions.