Durban, South Africa – The anti-illegal immigration organisation March and March held a demonstration outside the 46th SADC Summit on Monday, pressing regional leaders to take immediate action on undocumented migrants. The group, under the banner “It’s time to fetch your people,” demanded that Southern African governments repatriate their citizens who are living in South Africa without proper documentation.
Speaking at the protest, March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma criticised the summit for excluding civil society voices, arguing that grassroots organisations bring real experiences that leaders often overlook. She stressed that stronger border controls and legislation prioritising South African citizens are urgently needed, warning that patience is running out.
The group threatened to escalate its campaign and push for mass deportations of undocumented foreign nationals by 30 September if governments do not act. This stance raises particular concern for Zimbabwe, which has a large diaspora in South Africa, many of whom lack legal status. While South African authorities have often granted special permits to Zimbabwean nationals, the future of such arrangements remains uncertain.
The SADC Summit, attended by heads of state including Zimbabwe’s leadership, is expected to discuss regional integration and migration policies. However, the protests outside highlight growing tensions over cross-border movement, with activists arguing that undocumented migration burdens local communities. Zimbabwean officials have previously called for the protection of Zimbabweans abroad, but no immediate response to the demonstration was available.
