March in March Against Foreign ‘Cartels’

Foreigners are operating their businesses in South Africa like a cartel, stated the leader of the March to March Cape Town branch.

The individual, who introduced himself as Charlie, shared his views as dozens of people marched through Sea Point on Youth Day, Tuesday, 16 June, advocating for more decisive action against illegal immigration.

Amid rising tensions in South Africa between locals and foreigners, and following the government’s announcement on Monday that 2,745 individuals have departed the country since President Cyril Ramaphosa’s address on 7 June, Charlie expressed: “We are here today to march against the influx of unauthorized immigrants in South Africa.

“We are aware of the consequences these foreigners bring to our communities, from drug-related issues to Ethiopians and Somalis dominating the spaza shop business.

“It has become challenging for South Africans to start their own businesses because they operate like a cartel at this point.”

They are urging the government to take border control more seriously.

He added: “We are encouraging South Africans to rise against this and ask the government to take action; we also urge Home Affairs to verify that their documentation is legitimate.”

Participants carried placards and chanted slogans as they moved through the area, voicing their concerns and demanding government intervention on immigration-related matters.

A passerby noted that foreigners are being blamed for the “poor management of this country.”

As tensions persist between locals and foreigners, the government confirmed that nearly 3,000 foreigners have been deported recently.

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber informed reporters on Monday: “As of last night, we are reporting 2,745 repatriations since the president spoke.

“This number is continually changing.”

The government indicated that most of those repatriated were residing in the country illegally.

This group includes Malawian nationals, roughly 7,000 of whom have been living in an open field in Durban, as reported by an inter-ministerial migration committee established after the president’s address.

Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, leader of March and March, has called for a peaceful demonstration on 30 June against undocumented foreign nationals, urging supporters to prioritize dialogue with the government over violence or looting.