The leader of the March and March movement, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, has issued a strong warning to the South African government, saying it has three months to respond to the organisation’s demands or risk a nationwide shutdown that could severely disrupt the country.
Speaking during demonstrations held on 30 June, Ngobese-Zuma explained that the recent protests were never intended to bring South Africa to a standstill. Instead, she described them as the beginning of a nationwide campaign aimed at increasing pressure on the government over concerns about illegal immigration.
Addressing supporters, Ngobese-Zuma said the movement would continue organising peaceful demonstrations every week for the next three months. However, she warned that if government leaders failed to engage with their concerns or provide meaningful solutions, the movement would intensify its actions.
According to Ngobese-Zuma, the group is prepared to organise what she called a “real national shutdown” if their demands are ignored.
She stated that such a shutdown would have a much greater impact than the 30 June demonstrations, adding that “nothing will move” should the government continue to remain silent.
The March and March leader also criticised authorities for allegedly creating unnecessary panic before the 30 June protests. She maintained that the movement had never officially announced the day as a national shutdown, despite warnings from government officials and widespread media reports suggesting that businesses, schools and transport services would be heavily affected.
Ngobese-Zuma insisted that the organisation remains committed to peaceful protest. She said members of the movement do not support violence, destruction of property or looting. Instead, she explained that they want to work alongside law enforcement agencies by identifying areas where they believe illegal immigration and criminal activities are taking place.
The March and March movement was established in March 2025 following an earlier anti-illegal immigration campaign known as “March in March.” Since its formation, the organisation has organised more than 100 demonstrations across different parts of South Africa and has attracted thousands of supporters.
One of the movement’s key demands has been for stricter enforcement of immigration laws. It has repeatedly called on the government to take stronger action against undocumented foreign nationals and previously urged those without legal documentation to leave South Africa by 30 June 2026.
Meanwhile, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has dismissed claims that the 30 June demonstrations were successful. Following the protests, Mbalula said the country continued to function normally and credited both South Africans and the country’s security forces for ensuring stability.
He stated that businesses remained open, transport services continued operating and daily life carried on despite fears that the protests would disrupt the economy.
Despite criticism from political leaders, Ngobese-Zuma has made it clear that the movement’s campaign is far from over. She has confirmed that demonstrations will continue every Thursday as supporters push for government intervention on immigration-related issues.
As tensions continue to grow, many South Africans will be watching closely to see whether the government responds to the movement’s demands or whether the country could face larger demonstrations in the months ahead.
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