Groups like March and March (led by people like Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma) are organising big protests in Joburg, Pretoria, Durban, Cape Town and other areas. They say they are frustrated about illegal immigrants – people living in South Africa without proper documentation.

Some protesters believe undocumented immigrants are putting pressure on jobs, hospitals, schools and other public services. Others also link the issue to crime and drug-related problems in communities.

On 30 June 2026, they want all undocumented foreigners to leave, or they’ll try to “shut down the country” with more protests.
The government recently held an emergency meeting on 25 May.

They admitted that illegal immigration is a serious concern. Thousands of undocumented immigrants have reportedly been
deported in recent months. However, government leaders also warned against violence, xenophobia, or attacking people simply because they are foreign nationals.

Why should youth people care?
South Africa already has a very high youth unemployment rate (around 30-40%), which makes many young people feel frustrated about opportunities and service delivery.

At the same time, others believe these protests could create division and lead to xenophobic violence if not handled carefully.

This issue is bigger than just immigration. Many people believe the country also needs stronger border control, less corruption, better leadership, and more job opportunities for everyone.

Stay informed, think critically, and let’s push for real solutions that don’t destroy our unity. Don't just follow social media headlines.

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