March and March confronts refugees in Durban, demanding they leave

Tensions once again flared on Che Guevara Road in Durban, where the anti-illegal immigration group March and March returned to demand the removal of refugees camped outside the Home Affairs offices.

Hundreds of foreign nationals staying on the pavement called on authorities to assist with their relocation to the Lindela Repatriation Centre, saying they fear being violently driven out.

The group said it was prepared to have its members’ immigration status verified, amid claims that those staying at the site are undocumented. One refugee said the verification process could help clear up what she described as widespread assumptions that they are in the country illegally.

“We are here waiting for transportation. People are going inside Home Affairs to verify their documents and clear the misunderstanding that we are illegal and undocumented,” she said.

Police maintained a heavy presence at the site on Thursday, creating a visible buffer between the protesters and refugees following violent clashes last Thursday.

March and March, however, demanded that the group be removed, citing safety and public health concerns at the makeshift camp.

The organisation’s leader, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, claimed some protesters were assaulted during last week’s unrest and that a firearm was discharged.

Speaking amid scores of refugees, protesters and law enforcement officials, Ngobese-Zuma called on men within the refugee group to separate from women and children, citing alleged intimidation and threats by some of the men. 

The latest standoff comes amid growing concern over conditions at the site, with one refugee, Bienvenue Munga, reportedly dying from tuberculosis on Monday after spending months without adequate food and shelter to support his treatment.

Meanwhile, Justice Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has condemned the sporadic violence at the offices, stressing that immigration control and law enforcement remain the responsibility of the state.

Speaking during the Interministerial Committee on Migration briefing on Tuesday, Kubayi, said those responsible for violence would be held accountable. 

The Minister announced that the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is committed to assisting some refugees to explore possible solutions, including voluntary reintegration into communities or being accommodated at Lindela Repatriation Centre. 

“We reiterate that South Africa has not taken a decision to operate or open a refugee centre,” Kubayi said.

No Retreat, No Surrender Abahambe

March and March
Jacinta 🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌 pic.twitter.com/cB6OkLzup5

— IG:Joy-Zelda (@joy_zelda) September 10, 2026

Zimbabwean law enforcers are dismantling illegal structures set up by hawkers outside Chisipite Shopping Centre in Harare and telling them to erect those structures in South Africa. pic.twitter.com/TUzuo8oIeD

— #PutSouthAfricansfirst (@Patriot_S_A) September 10, 2026

Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma hands a memorandum at Umbilo Police Station. One of the major issues highlighted by March and March is the alleged conduct of officer Mpanza, whom the group says he assaulted its members. #marchandmarch#umbilopolicestation pic.twitter.com/Zh3II2uF96

— Sydney Keya (@KeyaSydney78747) September 10, 2026