The March and March movement is intensifying its calls for the South African government to address illegal immigration, with supporters marching to the legislature over concerns that undocumented migrants are straining the public purse and taking jobs from citizens.
The group marched on the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Wednesday, where a memorandum of demands was handed over to the presidency. Demonstrations continued in Johannesburg on Thursday.
Political party ActionSA has joined closely with the movement. In Pretoria, a member of parliament was present and spoke with demonstrators, calling for policies to curb illegal entry into the country.
The protests coincide with a briefing from the Department of Home Affairs, which announced an investment of 12.5 billion rand to upgrade border security, increase ground personnel, and address security issues through a public-private partnership.
Residents speaking from KwaZulu-Natal described their experiences with undocumented migrants.
One protester, who said she was attacked for cleaning up her neighborhood, accused undocumented foreigners of having a sense of “entitlement.”
“They are actually hitting our people, selling drugs on the grounds, and then twist and turn the information,” she said. “The mere fact I went through an experience where they actually attacked me. I got beaten up for being a South African citizen for cleaning up our streets.”
She claimed that after one suspect was arrested, she saw a policeman release the individual around a corner. “My firm belief is that they are getting bribed and this must stop,” she said. “We need Ramaphosa to intervene because this is wrong.”
Police were on the ground monitoring the Johannesburg march closely to ensure it does not turn into xenophobic violence. Various organizations and residents from hostels were seen arriving at the gathering.