March and March
The March and March movement says it will hold several marches and public gatherings across parts of the Eastern Cape on Tuesday, June 30, as part of its nationwide campaign focused on undocumented immigration and related enforcement issues.
Spokesperson Masiviwe Mxokozeli says activities are planned in Mthatha, Qonce, Komani and Port St Johns, with additional gatherings expected in other areas, as participants seek feedback from government and local authorities on previously submitted memorandums.
“It’s the last date for the government to respond to all the memorandums that have been submitted through all the marches that have been happening in the Eastern Cape,” said Mxokozeli.
He said there are “plus minus six marches” expected across the province, ranging from formal marches to smaller community gatherings.
In some areas, participants are expected to engage municipal offices and law enforcement structures for updates on earlier demands.
“They want to know how far the Government is on immigration enforcement, business compliance and municipal responses to earlier demands” he added.
Mxokozeli said protesters were on Monday in KuGompo issuing notices to undocumented foreign national shop owners to vacate their business premises within three days.
Authorities have repeatedly cautioned that immigration enforcement must be handled strictly through lawful processes.
Movement leadership says protests span multiple provinces
March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese Zuma says the mobilisation extends far beyond the Eastern Cape, with coordinated action expected across most of the country.
“I think tomorrow it’s really a protest that’s going to be seen through seven of the nine provinces so far. We are trying to get the Northwest on board and the Free State as well,” she said.
She described the protest as a national message to government.
“You can no longer label us as xenophobic for standing up for what is right. Our security is at risk. Our resources are depleted. Jobs are being taken over and replaced by cheap labour. There’s a lot going on in terms of crime as well.”
Nelson Mandela Bay on high alert
The Nelson Mandela Bay Joint Operations Centre (JOC) has intensified security measures ahead of Tuesday’s planned protests, placing all law enforcement agencies on a heightened 24-hour state of readiness.
The coordinated operation includes the South African Police Service (South African Police Service), Metro Police, the South African National Defence Force (South African National Defence Force), Provincial and Municipal Traffic Services, and other government security partners.
Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe said although no official applications for marches or protests have been received in the metro, authorities are taking a proactive approach to ensure public safety.
“The safety and security of our residents remains our foremost priority. Although there are currently no official applications for any marches or protests within Nelson Mandela Bay, we are adopting a proactive approach by placing all government and law enforcement agencies on a heightened 24-hour state of readiness,” Lobishe said.
She said law enforcement visibility has been increased in identified hotspot areas, including Addo Road, Korsten, Central, Motherwell, Walmer, New Brighton, Missionvale, KwaZakhele and Kariega, and urged residents to remain calm, continue with their normal daily activities, rely on verified information and report any suspicious activity to authorities.
Government urges calm and lawful conduct
The Eastern Cape Provincial Government has urged residents to exercise restraint and ensure demonstrations remain peaceful, lawful and respectful.
Premier Oscar Mabuyane said authorities are fully prepared and have activated coordination structures across the province.
“We call for the responsible approach where demonstrators will exercise their constitutional right to protest peacefully and in accordance with the Constitution,” Mabuyane said.
He warned that Tuesday remains a normal working day and that disruptions to public services or mobility will not be tolerated.
Immigration readiness and enforcement
Authorities confirmed immigration-related processing is under way in parts of the Eastern Cape, including Jeffreys Bay and St Francis Bay, where about 700 foreign nationals have been processed by the Department of Home Affairs.
A central provincial processing centre has also been established to coordinate immigration management and repatriation processes.
Officials said all municipalities have identified possible temporary displacement sites should they be required, while SAPS remains on high alert across transport corridors and public spaces.
Western Cape also calls for restraint
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has also appealed for calm, stressing that protests must remain peaceful and within the law.
“We fully respect every resident’s constitutional right to protest. However, this right must always be exercised peacefully and within the bounds of the law,” Winde said.
He warned that unlawful behaviour will be met with arrest and prosecution and confirmed ongoing coordination between security agencies and disaster management teams.
Business sector warns of disruption
The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber has cautioned that demonstrations could affect supply chains, transport and operations.
CEO Denise van Huyssteen said businesses must activate contingency plans.
“We urge all businesses to remain vigilant throughout the day, closely monitor developments, and activate contingency plans where necessary,” she said.
She added that companies are adjusting logistics, delaying deliveries, limiting staff movement and increasing security measures to reduce risk.
The Chamber warned that any disruption could have wider economic consequences in an already constrained environment.
National government response
At national level, government reiterated that immigration concerns must be addressed through legal processes, not unlawful action.
President Cyril Ramaphosa warned that the right to protest does not include violence or intimidation, while Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said the South African Police Service (South African Police Service) is fully prepared to facilitate lawful demonstrations while maintaining public order.
He added that broader migration policy discussions will continue through an inter-ministerial committee after 30 June.
Sandy McCowen
www.algoafm.co.za