March and March Movement leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma has released the official meeting points and starting times for the next phase of her anti-illegal immigration campaign, known as Operation Abahambe. The planned demonstrations are scheduled to take place on Thursday, 9 July 2026, with supporters expected to gather in several provinces across South Africa.
Following the movement’s first nationwide shutdown on 30 June, Ngobese-Zuma vowed that the campaign would continue, promising that the upcoming action would differ from previous marches. She told supporters that Thursday’s event would be more than just another protest, encouraging communities to participate peacefully while remaining focused on the movement’s objectives.
The announcement came after a social media user questioned whether the demonstrations would be limited to KwaZulu-Natal. In response, Ngobese-Zuma shared promotional posters outlining meeting locations and times for various towns, confirming that the campaign would extend to multiple provinces.
According to the information released, participants in KuGompo City are expected to gather at 9:00 a.m. near Doves before beginning their march. In Umzimkhulu, protesters are scheduled to meet at the Council Chambers from 8:00 a.m., with local organiser Oyama expected to lead the demonstration.
In Limpopo’s Burgersfort area, marchers will assemble at Fetakgomo Tubatse at 9:00 a.m. before proceeding to the Municipal Legislature and the Burgersfort Police Station. Additional gathering points have also been identified at Praktiseer A1, Straight Line Madiseng and Manoke, where supporters are expected to arrive by 8:00 a.m.
Further locations announced by Ngobese-Zuma include Empangeni in KwaZulu-Natal, where protesters are set to meet at the Nazareth Temple opposite the bus rank at 9:00 a.m. before marching to the Civic Centre. In uMthwalume, participants are expected to gather at Gobela Primary School at the same time before heading to the Umzumbe Municipality offices.
As with previous demonstrations organised by the movement, organisers have urged participants not to carry weapons or engage in violence. The movement says the protests are intended to remain peaceful while allowing communities to express their concerns about illegal immigration and related issues.
Ngobese-Zuma is also expected to address supporters in Rustenburg in the North West Province during the day’s activities. Promotional material circulating online indicates that she will appear alongside business activist and North West Small Business Development Council chairperson Tumo Mmolawa. However, organisers have not yet confirmed the exact venue or time for the address.
The announcement of the nationwide mobilisation came shortly after Ngobese-Zuma celebrated her birthday. Videos from the celebration were shared on social media, giving supporters a glimpse into the event, which featured live musical performances and attracted significant online attention.
Operation Abahambe marks the latest chapter in the March and March Movement’s campaign, which has gained national attention through its calls for stricter action on illegal immigration. Whether Thursday’s demonstrations attract large crowds remains to be seen, but authorities and communities across the country are expected to closely monitor developments as the protests unfold.
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