March and March issues ultimatum over illegal immigration

Protesters have warned they will intensify their actions against illegal immigration if the government fails to respond to their demands.

Civic organisation March and March handed over its memorandum at the Union Buildings, bringing a day-long protest through Pretoria to a close.

The demonstration, which started at Burger's Park and moved through Sunnyside, grew in numbers but remained peaceful under heavy police monitoring.

Organisers said this is the last memorandum they will submit, warning that future action will be more direct if their concerns are not addressed.

The group is calling for tighter immigration controls, including stricter visa regulations, a review of asylum policies and action against businesses employing undocumented foreign nationals.

Leaders told supporters that the handover marks a turning point, urging the government to act swiftly or face escalated protest action.

"They keep saying that we hate foreigners, et cetera, we don’t care, it’s not hate. Actually, the hated people are us. Why do they leave their countries if they are hated here?," said March and March leader, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma.

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