Members of March and March Movement hold placards during a national campaign potest in Durban on March 25, 2026. The group calls for stronger action against illegal immigration and the deportation of undocumented foreign nationals. The protest takes place amid rising public concern over border control, law enforcement, and the governments national policy. (Photo by RAJESH JANTILAL / AFP)
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Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Durban on Wednesday, calling for tougher action against undocumented foreigners, as tensions over jobs and immigration continue to rise i
Members of March and March Movement together with members from the Inkhata Freedom Party (IFP), ActionSA and Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party sing and chant slogans during a national campaign protest in Durban on March 25, 2026. The group calls for stronger action against illegal immigration and the deportation of undocumented foreign nationals. The protest takes place amid rising public concern over border control, law enforcement, and the governments national policy. (Photo by RAJESH JANTILAL / AFP)
Police fired rubber bullets and teargas to disperse the crowd after the demonstration turned tense.
The march drew members of political groups and the controversial vigilante movement Operation Dudula, many of whom carried placards and chanted slogans against immigrants.
Traditional leaders of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) join members of March and March Movement as they chant songs during a national campaign protest in Durban on March 25, 2026. The group calls for stronger action against illegal immigration and the deportation of undocumented foreign nationals. The protest takes place amid rising public concern over border control, law enforcement, and the governments national policy. (Photo by RAJESH JANTILAL / AFP)
Protesters singled out foreigners from countries including Nigeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Mexico, accusing them of taking jobs and contributing to crime.
Speaking at the rally, Herman Mashaba, leader of the ActionSA, defended the protest despite criticism.
Members of Operation Dududla join members of March and March Movement during a national campaign protest in Durban on March 25, 2026. The group calls for stronger action against illegal immigration and the deportation of undocumented foreign nationals. The protest takes place amid rising public concern over border control, law enforcement, and the governments national policy. (Photo by RAJESH JANTILAL / AFP)
He said South Africans could not ignore what he described as the growing strain caused by illegal immigration, insisting the government must act.
The demonstration also saw participation from members of the Inkatha Freedom Party and the Umkhonto we Sizwe, with groups singing and chanting as they moved through the city.
Fearing unrest, some shop owners shut down their businesses ahead of the march. Reports later emerged of isolated incidents of harassment and looting, prompting a stronger police response.
One protester, 81-year-old Thembi Dlamini, blamed corruption and illegal immigration for worsening economic conditions, saying many young South Africans are being shut out of job opportunities.
A member of March and March wrapped in a South African flag attends a protest in Durban on March 25, 2026. The group calls for stronger action against illegal immigration and the deportation of undocumented foreign nationals. The protest takes place amid rising public concern over border control, law enforcement, and the governments national policy. (Photo by RAJESH JANTILAL / AFP)
The protest highlights deepening frustration in South Africa, where unemployment remains high currently around 32 per cent and public anger over economic hardship continues to grow.
Members of March and March Movement together with members from the Inkhata Freedom Party (IFP), ActionSA and Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party sing and chant slogans during a national campaign protest in Durban on March 25, 2026. The group calls for stronger action against illegal immigration and the deportation of undocumented foreign nationals. The protest takes place amid rising public concern over border control, law enforcement, and the governments national policy. (Photo by RAJESH JANTILAL / AFP)
Official figures show that roughly three million foreigners, about 5 per cent of the population, are living in the country.
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