Rally in Durban Calls for Stricter Immigration Laws
A civil society group known as March and March held a rally in Durban on Wednesday, advocating for tighter immigration laws and enhanced border control measures.
The group expressed particular discontent towards immigrants from Nigeria, labeling them as parasites and suggesting a link to criminal activity.
March and March, along with various political parties, including ActionSA and the anti-immigration group Operation Dudula, called for the mass deportation of foreigners, an appeal met with accusations of xenophobia.
Jacinta Ngobese Zuma, the leader of March and March, vocalized frustrations over illegal immigrants benefiting from public healthcare, arguing that if they wish to use South African resources, they should, at the very least, cover their own healthcare costs.
Ngobese Zuma, a black man aged 39, has been a notable figure in these discussions. He is known for his radio presence and has been involved in previous rallies highlighting concerns about immigration and its effects on employment, healthcare, and safety for South Africans.
Earlier this year, the South African Police Service (SAPS) faced backlash after staging protests against Ngobese Zuma. They expressed worries that undocumented immigrants might enroll in local schools, potentially displacing South African students.
The group criticized the state’s response to South Africans seeking to address the rights of marginalized citizens and noted that Ngobese Zuma planned to surrender to authorities instead of waiting for arrest.
March and March issued a warning against those who would defend old apartheid systems, declaring their intent to continue fighting for liberation from what they describe as a modern occupation by criminals.
A month following his surrender, Ngobese Zuma reported that he had yet to receive any formal charges from the police, raising concerns about the lack of communication regarding his case.
He commented, “The case against me was brought forward by a police officer, but they have refused to disclose their identity.” He described the situation as absurd, insisting he would not be intimidated.
During the rally, Hermann Mashaba, the leader of ActionSA, criticized the government for inadequately managing immigration issues. He acknowledged March and March’s efforts in bringing this issue to light.
Mashaba pointed out the influx of people from various countries, emphasizing that this situation is unacceptable to South Africans.
Among the political factions present at the demonstration were the Inkhata Freedom Party (IFP) and Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK), the latter founded by former President Jacob Zuma.
One participant, Thembi Dlamini, aged 81, shared concerns about the competitive employment landscape, stating that illegal immigrants are taking jobs away from South Africans, leaving future generations struggling to find work as unemployment hovers around 32%.
Operation Dudula, a vigilante group known for its xenophobic stance, also attended the rally. Founded in Soweto in 2021, the group’s name translates to “forced removal” in Zulu, and they openly advocate for the expulsion of migrants. Operation Dudula claims that many of the drug-related issues in South Africa are a result of foreign nationals and are accused of targeting these individuals without discrimination regarding their legal status.
During previous demonstrations in March, South African police intervened with rubber bullets and tear gas after some protesters reportedly engaged in harassment and looting.
