“The March and March movement has mobilized nationwide protests today, September 30, 2026, demanding stricter immigration enforcement while spotlighting gender-based violence and crime. Organizers, led by Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, are urging South African men to unite in a symbolic march against femicide and violent crime.”
South Africa is witnessing another wave of activism as the March and March movement returns to the streets on September 30, 2026. This time, the protests are not only about undocumented immigration but also about the scourge of gender-based violence (GBV) and violent crime. The movement’s decision to broaden its agenda reflects the growing urgency of these issues in South Africa’s political and social landscape.
Background of the Movement
March and March first gained national attention during its June 30, 2026 demonstrations, which saw over 120 official protests across the country. While most were peaceful, some required law enforcement intervention, resulting in arrests and isolated violence. The group’s initial focus was on undocumented immigration, arguing that lax enforcement of immigration laws was contributing to crime and social instability.
Led by activist Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, the movement promised to return to the streets after three months if its demands were not addressed. True to its word, September 30 has become another day of mass mobilization, but with a broader set of demands.
Today’s Protests
Protests are unfolding in multiple cities, including Tshwane (Church Square), Cape Town (Hanover Street), Durban (under the banner Sgwebo Sentambo), and smaller towns like Estcourt and Burgersfort. In Durban, the march has been branded as a “Men’s March against GBV and Crime,” symbolically calling on men to take responsibility in combating femicide and violence against women.
Organizers have emphasized non-violence, with promotional material warning “No weapons allowed.” The scale of participation remains uncertain, but early reports suggest significant turnout in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
Gender-Based Violence as a National Crisis
South Africa has one of the highest rates of femicide globally. Recent murders of 12 women have been incorporated into the March and March campaign, amplifying calls for urgent action. Activists argue that GBV is not just a women’s issue but a societal crisis requiring men to speak out and act collectively.
Civil society organizations have cautiously welcomed the inclusion of GBV in the protests, though some remain skeptical of the movement’s anti-immigrant undertones.
Immigration and Crime
While GBV has taken center stage, immigration remains a core issue for March and March. The group insists it is not targeting foreigners broadly but undocumented immigration specifically. Critics, however, argue that the rhetoric fuels xenophobia and risks violence against migrants. Refugee communities in Durban and elsewhere have expressed fear of renewed attacks, citing threats and harassment in recent weeks.
Government and Police Response
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has stated that it will maintain normal operations, focusing on law and order rather than treating the protests as a national shutdown. This stance reflects lessons learned from June 30, when government allocated R600 million for peacekeeping but spent only R306 million, as disruptions were less severe than anticipated.
Political Context
The protests come just weeks before South Africa’s local government elections on November 4, 2026. Immigration and crime have become central campaign issues, with political parties divided on how to respond. Activism around these themes is likely to influence voter sentiment, particularly in urban areas where tensions are highest.
Criticism and Support
Supporters of March and March argue that the movement is giving voice to frustrations ignored by government. Critics, however, warn that its anti-immigrant stance risks inflaming xenophobic violence. Human rights groups have urged authorities to protect vulnerable migrant communities while addressing legitimate concerns about crime and GBV.
Conclusion
The September 30 protests highlight the intersection of immigration, crime, and gender-based violence in South Africa’s activism landscape. Whether the movement succeeds in pressuring government remains to be seen, but its ability to mobilize thousands across the country underscores the urgency of these issues. As elections approach, the voices raised today will likely echo in political debates and policy decisions in the weeks ahead.
