Hundreds of South Africans marched in Durban on Wednesday under the banner of the March and March, led by Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, alongside members of Operation Dudula and other political groups, including supporters of Herman Mashaba.
The protest featured xenophobic slogans and messaging, with demonstrators chanting:
“Abahambe!” (They must go)
“Hamba khaya!” (Go home)
“Foreigners must go”
“It’s time to go – reclaim our country”
Placards carried by protesters read:
“March and March Until We Win”
“No Illegal Immigration”
“Illegal Immigration is a Crime”
“Put South Africans First”
Nigerians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, Mexicans, and other foreign nationals were specifically named and blamed for job losses, control of spaza and tuck shops, and involvement in crime and drug activity.
Protesters called for mass deportations of undocumented migrants, stricter border enforcement, and prioritization of South Africans in jobs, healthcare, and education.
One protester said:
“Foreigners have taken over and are dominating everywhere… It’s time to take back the country.”
Tensions escalated during the march, with reports that some demonstrators harassed bystanders believed to be foreigners and attempted looting in parts of the city centre.
Police responded by firing tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd and prevent further escalation.
No major casualties have been reported.
