March And March Mayhem: Hundreds Set To Flood Joburg Streets Over Immigration Row

Johannesburg is preparing for a large-scale demonstration as more than 500 members of the controversial March and March group are expected to march through the city on Wednesday.

The protest will begin at Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown, where participants are scheduled to assemble from 9am. The march is set to start at 10am and will end at Beyers Naudé Square at around 1pm.

Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla confirmed the details, noting that officers will be stationed along the route to ensure safety and manage disruptions.

Protesters will move along Henry Nxumalo Street, proceed into Marshall Street, then onto Pixley ka Isaka Seme Street, before turning into Helen Joseph Street en route to their final stop.

Traffic Alerts and Police Presence Intensify in Joburg

Authorities have warned motorists to steer clear of the Johannesburg CBD during the march, as significant traffic delays are expected.

Areas around the Market Theatre, Sci-Bono Discovery Centre and the Premier’s Office are likely to be heavily affected. JMPD officials, working alongside SAPS Public Order Policing, will monitor the situation closely to maintain order and protect nearby businesses.

Fihla urged drivers to use alternative routes and to follow instructions from traffic officers on duty.

March And March Protest Demands Grow After Pretoria Demonstration

The planned march follows a similar protest in Pretoria earlier this week, where hundreds gathered and marched to the Union Buildings.

That demonstration, which started at Burger’s Park and moved through Sunnyside, concluded peacefully after a memorandum was handed over. Members of ActionSA joined the protest, amplifying its visibility.

Protesters are calling for tougher immigration measures, including stricter visa controls, a review of asylum systems, and action against businesses employing undocumented foreign nationals.

Organisers have warned that if their demands are ignored, they will escalate their actions.

Ramaphosa Calls for Unity Amid Rising Xenophobia Concerns

As tensions rise, Cyril Ramaphosa has urged South Africans to reject xenophobia while addressing concerns around illegal immigration.

Speaking during his Freedom Day address in Bloemfontein, he reminded citizens of the solidarity that supported South Africa’s liberation struggle.

“We did not walk alone into freedom. We were carried by a tide of solidarity from the nations of Africa, among many others.

“These countries opened their borders to our liberation fighters. They shared their bread and their homes. They spoke for us when we could not speak for ourselves. The leaders and people of Africa kept our struggle alive.

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“It cannot be, and it must never be, that we trample into the dust the African fellowship that made our freedom possible.

“We are a people who live the value of ubuntu. We should never allow the legitimate concerns of our communities about illegal migration to breed prejudice towards our fellow Africans.

“We must not allow these concerns to give rise to xenophobia directed towards people from other African countries or any part of the world. Instead, we must insist that the law be upheld and enforced.”

Ramaphosa added that government is stepping up efforts to address illegal migration and corruption within the system.

“We are clamping down on illegal migration and on businesses that flout our laws by hiring undocumented persons at the expense of our citizens,” he said.

“We are actively rooting out corruption in our immigration system. We will not allow people to take the law into their own hands. We extend hospitality to those who are guests in our country, with the expectation that generosity is honoured with respect for our society and its laws.

“As a nation that defeated colonialism and apartheid through international solidarity, we carry a responsibility to advance constitutional values beyond our borders.”