Article re-cap
- The Sea Point March and March protest took place on 16 June and drew approximately 40 participants, not 60 as previously reported.
- March and March organiser Charlie Roux cited school placement difficulties and foreign national employment as key grievances.
- A larger march in Wynberg on 20 June drew around 60 people, prompting a multi-agency police deployment.
- Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia confirmed SAPS is prepared for nationwide demonstrations planned for 30 June.
- Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi reported that about 5,000 Malawian immigrants have been repatriated, with 2,000 more due to depart.
Approximately forty demonstrators marched along Beach Road and Main Road in Sea Point on 16 June, voicing concerns about illegal immigration and demanding stronger government action to control borders; the protest highlighted anxieties regarding drug use and competition within local businesses.
Dozens of March and March demonstrators walked through Sea Point on 16 June, calling for stronger action against illegal immigration. The march began at Fort Road and proceeded along Beach Road, turning left into St John's Road, left into Main Road, and continuing towards Glengariff Road where it concluded.
According to Charlie Roux, Cape Town branch leader of March and March, the group is demanding that the government take border control more seriously. He stated: "We are here today to march against the influx of unauthorised immigrants in South Africa." Concerns were raised about drugs within communities and competition from Ethiopians and Somalis operating 'spaza shop' businesses.
A passerby suggested that foreigners were being used as a scapegoat for “terrible management of this country,” echoing similar concerns seen globally. He criticised the allocation of 500 police officers, stating it was deliberately arranged to distract from other issues within South Africa.
The March and March campaign aims to protect South African citizens, enforce the rule of law, and restore accountability through firm action, responsible governance, and community empowerment. The group’s website emphasizes a commitment to fairness, national integrity, and a future for those who call South Africa home.”
The Sea Point march followed a larger March and March demonstration in Wynberg on Saturday, 20 June, where around 60 people marched along Main Road towards Newlands. Authorities deployed a multi-agency force including SAPS, metro police, traffic police and law enforcement to monitor an anticipated crowd of 500 protesters. Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia confirmed that SAPS is operationally prepared for planned nationwide demonstrations scheduled for 30 June, stating that while the constitutional right to peaceful protest would be respected, no acts of lawlessness, violence, intimidation or criminality would be tolerated.
Frequently asked questions
When did the Sea Point March and March protest take place?
The Sea Point protest took place on 16 June, with approximately 40 people taking part.
Who organised the Cape Town March and March demonstrations?
Charlie Roux is identified as the Cape Town branch leader and organiser of March and March.
What is the significance of 30 June in relation to these protests?
March and March has set 30 June as a deadline for undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa, and Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia confirmed that SAPS is operationally prepared for planned nationwide demonstrations on that date.
How many Malawian immigrants have been repatriated?
Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi reported that approximately 5,000 Malawian immigrants have been repatriated, with a further 2,000 processed and due to depart.
Source: capeargus.co.za, iol.co.za, dailymaverick.co.za
