March against illegal immigration in eSikhaleni peaceful

Esikhaleni residents join nationwide campaign calling for action against illegal immigration

June 30, 2026

Mbuso Kunene 1 minute read

Scores of residents from across eSikhaleni participating in Tuesday's march Photo: Mbuso Kunene

Tuesday’s march in eSikhaleni against illegal immigration concluded peacefully under a heavy police presence, with no incidents of violence or unrest reported.

Residents joined the nationwide campaign calling for action against illegal immigration.

ALSO READ: WATCH: March gets under way in eSikhaleni under heavy police guard

The march formed part of demonstrations organised by various civic organisations, including March and March.

Addressing demonstrators, march organiser Alex Shandu, representing the Hlangana Zulu and Siyanqoba civic organisations, said the protest aimed to call for the enforcement of immigration laws rather than targeting foreign nationals.

“We want undocumented immigrants to understand the challenges facing South Africans. We have nothing against them personally, but we want our country to address its own internal challenges,” said Shandu.

“We are peacefully asking our neighbours to return to their own countries so South Africans can deal with our domestic issues. We are exercising our constitutional right to protest within the framework of the law,” he added.

At the beginning of the protest, eSikhawini SAPS station commander, Colonel William Ntanzi, engaged with the organisers, reminding them that the gathering had to conclude by 12 noon sharp.

The demonstration began later than its scheduled 9am start, but participants complied with police instructions and dispersed peacefully after completing the march.

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