South Africa Braces for March and March’s 30 September National Protest

• South African protest group March and March announced a new day of mass action set for 30 September 2026 in multiple major cities
• The group expanded its focus beyond illegal immigration to include gender-based violence and crime, calling on South African men to march
• President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the planned demonstrations in his weekly letter, urging unity ahead of the nationwide marches

SOUTH AFRICA — Three months after its first round of nationwide demonstrations, the protest movement March and March has confirmed a second day of mass action for Wednesday, 30 September 2026, with marches scheduled in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town and other major cities.

The group had signalled a follow-up protest when it organised its initial demonstrations on 30 June, warning that a further national shutdown would take place three months later. This time, however, the focus has broadened beyond illegal immigration to include gender-based violence and crime, following a series of recent murders of women across the country.

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March and March calls on men to take to the streets

The organisation issued a direct call to South African men, framing the upcoming protest as a "Men's March against GBV and Crime."

"We call upon all South African men to take to the streets across the country to speak in one voice and claim our society back from criminals. We are part of the problem, and we must fix it," the group said in its announcement.

Group leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma pushed back against accusations that the protests are driven by xenophobia. She argued that pressure on public resources was at the root of the tensions and called for a broader continental conversation about migration patterns.

"We don't have enough schools, hospitals and buildings, but we find ourselves having to carry the burden for all of Africa," Ngobese-Zuma said.

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Ramaphosa urges calm in South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa used his weekly letter to the nation to appeal for unity as the country moves towards another round of demonstrations. He spoke directly to both the GBV concerns and the immigration tensions at the centre of the protests.

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"We cannot allow violence against women to define who we are," Ramaphosa wrote.

On the question of foreign nationals, he emphasised that migration must occur within legal frameworks.

"The government has a responsibility to manage our borders effectively, and everyone who lives in South Africa is required to respect our laws," he said.

March and March clash with Congolese in Durban

Previously, Briefly News reported that another Thursday March and March operation in Durban turned violent. The group's supporters clashed with foreign nationals camped on Che Guevara, previously known as Moore Road. The situation got tense as one supporter allegedly got hurt. The march began at King Dinuzulu Park, with members describing their action as a "clean-up" operation. More than 20 police officers accompanied the group as it made its way to the site, where Congolese refugees have been camping for approximately four months.

Source: Briefly News