March Against Immigration in Pretoria
On Tuesday, over 300 individuals gathered in Pretoria, South Africa, to protest against mass immigration and illegal immigration. The police stepped in to avert potential clashes as the demonstrators moved through a heavily immigrant area of the city.
This demonstration was spearheaded by a civil society organization known as March and March. They contend that the South African government is falling short in enforcing immigration and citizenship laws. Their previous rally in March resulted in mass deportations.
Earlier protests in March and April saw participation from similar allies, including the ActionSA political party and Operation Dudura, an anti-immigrant group. The latter’s name, derived from a Zulu phrase, translates to “to forcibly remove.”
As in past demonstrations, Tuesday’s event featured primarily Black Africans voicing concerns against other Black Africans. Critics particularly targeted Nigerian immigrants, accusing them of straining South Africa’s welfare and law enforcement systems.
Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, founder of March and March, is a 39-year-old radio personality who established the group to address the effects of mass immigration on jobs, education, and public safety. She asserted that many migrants coming to South Africa are fleeing legal issues in their home countries.
“They are not victims. You walk around and see them occupying buildings. There’s drug activity, prostitution, and even cartels. This environment is quite welcoming to criminals,” she stated.
Ngobese-Zuma feels that her organization is being mischaracterized for simply advocating for the enforcement of laws in South Africa. She noted, “Labeling us as xenophobes is unjust. Asking for law and order shouldn’t be seen as xenophobic.”
She emphasized, “What we are experiencing in South Africa isn’t typical immigration.”
Another speaker at the event, Sanele Nkamburu, financial head of March and March, commented on small businesses known as spaza shops, which are often run by foreigners lacking proper trading rights. He explained that many of these shops operate without paying taxes, placing an undue burden on the public.
The March and March platform advocates for a comprehensive review of these spaza shops, ensuring they are run by legal citizens and comply with tax regulations.
A similar protest occurred in Johannesburg the following day. There, ActionSA member Themba Mabunda countered accusations of xenophobia, stating, “We aren’t xenophobic. We want what’s right for South Africa while welcoming foreigners who are here legally.”
In a speech on Monday, President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed limited sympathy for the demonstrators’ viewpoint. He condemned violence against foreigners, commending contributions from other African nations in dismantling apartheid, and cautioned against letting immigration concerns lead to prejudice.
Following the protests, officials from neighboring countries advised their citizens in South Africa to take precautions. The Ghanaian diplomatic mission urged Ghanaians to “prioritize personal safety,” while the Union of Nigeria suggested Nigerians avoid going out during the protests.
Olaniyi Abodedere, chair of the Nigeria Labor Union, remarked on the general atmosphere of fear, saying, “It doesn’t matter if you are legal or not. As long as you’re Nigerian, you’re profiled and stereotyped.”
A heavy police presence monitored the situation at the march, observing the heated exchanges between demonstrators and onlookers. Anti-immigrant protestors often hurled insults, including the term Amakwerekewere, a derogatory expression mocking foreign accents.
