Johannesburg CBD grinds to a halt as anti-illegal immigration march draws thousands, sparks brief clashes

Fear of disruption gripped the Johannesburg CBD long before anti-illegal immigration protesters took to the streets on Tuesday, with businesses and informal traders closing their doors as thousands of demonstrators gathered for the nationwide 30 June march.

What began as a heavily monitored protest calling for the mass deportation of undocumented foreign nationals evolved into one of the largest demonstrations seen in the inner city this year, drawing thousands of participants and briefly erupting into confrontation in Hillbrow before concluding at Kwa Mai Mai in Maboneng.

The march, organised by civic movement March and March and supported by several anti-illegal immigration groups, formed part of coordinated demonstrations held across the country.

Hours before the protesters assembled at Beyers Naudé Square, the impact of the planned march was already evident across the CBD.

Several businesses and informal traders remained closed, citing fears of possible unrest despite assurances from authorities that extensive security measures had been put in place.

Traffic volumes were also noticeably lighter than usual during the morning rush hour, while police and Johannesburg Metro Police officers maintained a visible presence at key intersections and strategic locations throughout the city centre.

Authorities had repeatedly warned participants that no weapons, including traditional weapons, would be permitted during the demonstration.

By mid-morning, protestors began making their way through the CBD, stopping briefly at Kwa Mai Mai to mobilise additional supporters before proceeding through parts of the inner city, including Hillbrow, Yeoville and Berea.

Under heavy police escort, demonstrators chanted struggle songs and slogans, arguing that undocumented immigration places increasing pressure on employment opportunities, education and public services intended for South African citizens.

For much of the march, the demonstration remained peaceful, with no reports of arrests or serious incidents. Some protesters were even seen assisting with traffic management along sections of the route.

However, tensions briefly flared outside a residential complex in Hillbrow, where protesters and residents hurled stones at one another, shattering several apartment windows before police intervened to restore calm.

As the march continued, the crowd grew significantly, with many participants dressed in traditional attire and carrying traditional weapons despite earlier warnings from authorities.

Some protesters were also seen striking the gates and garage doors of businesses along the route while continuing to call for the deportation of undocumented foreign nationals.

Government has maintained that the repatriation of undocumented foreign nationals is already under way, saying more than 25,000 people have been deported through legal and regulated processes.

Following the demonstration, media personality, Ngizwe Mchunu, described the march as a success despite the isolated confrontations reported during the day.

Addressing supporters at Kwa Mai Mai, Mchunu praised participants and thanked law enforcement agencies for maintaining order throughout the demonstration and said turnout reflected growing public support for the movement’s campaign against illegal immigration.

Mchunu also urged demonstrators to disperse peacefully after the march.

The demonstration formed part of a broader nationwide campaign calling for stricter immigration enforcement, stronger border controls and the mass deportation of undocumented foreign nationals.

WATCH: Anti illegal immigration protests erupts in Joburg CBD heading to Kwa Mai Mai to mobilise more crowd.

They are expected to march through Hillbrow to Constitution Hill.

This comes as today is the D-day for the 30 June nationwide march.#YNews #MarchandMarch pic.twitter.com/6FZkfVS8Ib

— Ndashe (@ndasheii) June 30, 2026

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe