The March and March movement says it will intensify pressure on the South African government if its demands regarding illegal immigration and border management are not addressed by 30 June.
Speaking during a media briefing in Durban, March and March representative Nhlanhla Mqadi said the movement believes government has failed to present a clear strategy to deal with what it describes as an immigration crisis.
The movement confirmed that demonstrations will continue, with the next protest planned for Mpumalanga on 4 June.
Mqadi said the organisation was dissatisfied with discussions held earlier in the day involving the justice cluster, arguing that authorities had not provided a concrete plan to respond to concerns raised by citizens.
He accused government of preparing security responses instead of addressing border control and immigration enforcement issues.
“If government was serious, this would be their chance to come up with a plan and avoid whatever they think is coming,” Mqadi said, adding that authorities should focus on solutions rather than “fighting their own citizens”.
Mqadi also criticised suggestions that soldiers could be deployed during future demonstrations, questioning why stronger enforcement was not taking place at the country’s borders.
The movement is demanding that President Cyril Ramaphosa address the nation on immigration-related concerns.
According to Mqadi, March and March intends to continue applying pressure beyond the June deadline if no action is taken.
“We’re going to accelerate putting pressure on our government because they are the ones with the authority to bring change,” he said.
Mqadi argued that citizens vote with the expectation that government will improve living conditions and secure the country’s future.
The spokesperson also questioned the role of different state agencies responsible for immigration enforcement, including the Border Management Authority and police services, saying there appeared to be gaps in coordination once undocumented individuals are inside the country.
During the briefing, Mqadi reiterated calls for government to temporarily halt refugee and asylum seeker applications while authorities address undocumented immigration.
He claimed asylum permits were being misused by some foreign nationals to operate businesses and employ other asylum seekers.
The movement further rejected allegations that its campaign is xenophobic.
Mqadi said acts of xenophobia could be identified through criminal cases and arrests, arguing that South Africans participating in the protests were instead demanding that existing laws be enforced.
“There are South Africans who are crying for their rights that are enshrined in the constitution,” he said.
The briefing also touched on political speculation surrounding the movement. It was stated that activist Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma had received approaches from several political parties but maintained that her involvement in the movement was not politically motivated.
March and March also indicated it intends participating in upcoming local government elections and encouraged South Africans to vote.