Pretoria's streets were full of determined voices, flags, and chants on Tuesday, 28 April 2026, as the March and March organisation led a huge- scale evidence from Burgers Park to the Union Buildings, calling for urgent action from the state on unemployment, economic exclusion, and immigration execution.
By Sibongakonke Conco
The march,organised by Jacinta Ngobese Zuma alongside Amabhinca Nation president Ngizwe Mlando Mchunu and the regiments leader in KwaNongoma at Kwamandlakazi, Nkosikhona Vusimuzi Ndabandaba, well- known as Phakela Umthakathi, drew support from political party Action SA, Operation Dudula, and large numbers of South Africans especially young people who came out in significant numbers to demand what organisers described as "justice for unemployed citizens".
Carrying placards reading "Illegal Immigration Is a Crime," marchers voiced irritation over rising unemployment levels, poverty, and what many participants observe as the growing dominance of foreign nationals in township economies through undocumented or fraudulent means. Protest organisers mentioned that millions of unemployed South Africans are being left out while economic opportunities become scarce.
At the Union Buildings, organisers submitted a memorandum to state officials setting out key demands, including stricter actions against illegal immigration, stronger regulation of businesses documentation, and quick strategies to create jobs for South African citizens.
Addressing the supporters, Phakela Umthakathi made a bold economic statement, stating: "Every South African citizen should receive R1 million annually as a way to restore dignity, wealth, and opportunity to local communities". His remarks sparked strong reactions among attendes, particularly youth supporters who cheered his call for radical economic transformation.
Ngizwe Mchunu also addressed the crowd with a direct message to national leadership, stating: "The only thing that we are asking is that President Cyril Ramaphosa must stand up for the country and deport illegal immigrants.
Organisers also announced that their movement will continue, with the next planned march set to take place tommorrow in Johannesburg CBD as they expand their campaign to other parts of the country.
As debates carry on, the Pretoria march may become an important moment in the country's ongoing discourse around unemployment, immigration, and economic reform.
https://youtu.be/oe46sEaWrcE
Video by: Sibongakonke Conco
No comments:
Post a Comment