The civic movement urges a national emergency over undocumented migration

A grassroots group keeps hammering the government to declare a national emergency over what they frame as an invasion of undocumented migrants threatening jobs and safety.

March and March are demanding emergency powers

• The civic movement, led by former radio host Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, wants immediate action.
• Leaders argue that the situation stretches resources thin and threatens everyday South Africans.
• The group calls for deploying the South African National Defence Force alongside the police.

Movement's origins and core message

• March and March started as a grassroots effort born from border control frustrations.
• Ngobese-Zuma pulled in supporters from cities like Durban and Johannesburg rapidly.
• The fight targets those without legal rights, not all foreigners in the country.

Sporong settlement crisis sparking outrage

• Around 500 people fled their homes in Kagiso after threats from illegal miners.
• Zama Zamas, many allegedly from outside South Africa, have dug into communities dangerously.
• Ngobese-Zuma uses this as proof that police alone cannot restore order properly.

Durban protests drawing massive crowds

• Hundreds marched from parks to city halls, handing demands to the Durban High Court.
• Protesters chanted about reclaiming streets lost to crime and drugs they link to migrants.
• Similar actions happened outside Addington Primary School over enrolment spot concerns.

Clinic and school access becoming flashpoints

• Some groups have blocked foreigners from getting into clinics or educational facilities.
• Courts ruled everyone has a right to basic care regardless of origin.
• Vigilante groups sometimes give bosses deadlines to fire workers without proper papers.

Four million migrants are estimated in the country

• South Africa hosts people seeking safety from wars or hard times back home.
• Without good border checks, some end up working under the table or turning to crime.
• Millions of unemployed South Africans blame outsiders for worsening job shortages.

Illegal mining is fueling community tensions

• Zama Zamas dig for gold in old mines without safety gear or permission.
• Clashes with locals have led to deaths in places like Kagiso.
• Whole neighbourhoods feel under siege, with families packing up and leaving permanently.

Government response falling short for activists

• Authorities extended permits for people from Zimbabwe and Lesotho for paperwork time.
• Police round up and deport thousands yearly, but March and March want faster action.
• The movement demands a full emergency setup to speed deportations and protect locals.

Two-day protest planned to maintain pressure

• Upcoming events will highlight immigration woes and governance failures that they perceive.
• Ngobese-Zuma calls on everyday people to stand up for South African rights.
• The goal is to keep leaders focused on better border guards and quicker processing.

Critics warn against oversimplification

• Some say focusing only on foreigners ignores homegrown issues like poor schools.
• Others worry emergency powers could hurt even those with rights to stay legally.
• Human rights groups warn that blaming all problems on migrants leads to hate and attacks.