Anti-immigration civic group March and March Movement has called on government to declare a state of emergency to address illegal immigration in South Africa. The group has planned a national shutdown on 30 June, also setting the same date for undocumented foreigners to leave the country. Founder Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma said government must halt refugee applications and begin mass deportations.
“We call upon the government to stop granting and processing all refugee applications within 14 days until the state has come up with an interim solution pending the process currently underway in respect of the white paper. We call for the amendment of the law to enable the BMA (Border Management Authority) to operate inland,” said Ngobese-Zuma.
Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga stated that South Africans have a constitutional right to protest against illegal immigration, but warned that demonstrations must remain peaceful and respect the dignity and rights of foreign nationals. She has also urged calm ahead of the planned shutdown, stating that there is no reason for panic.
“You want to go on a strike, you’re protected. The law allows us to do what we should do, which is to make sure that we do it within the law, out of following our ethos as South Africans, respecting other people, despite how angry we feel, but we have a responsibility to respect them. Migration is an international phenomenon, and the South Africans have to agree as to how we help each other,” said Motshekga.
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola said migration is a shared regional challenge, not unique to South Africa. While acknowledging concerns over crime and economic pressure, he says no grievance can justify violence or targeting people based on nationality, adding that attacks on foreign nationals are illegal. Lamola added that government must strengthen its capacity to manage undocumented migration fairly and lawfully.
VOC News
Photo: Screenshot
