Cape Town's CBD became the centre of a heated national debate on Tuesday, 30 June 2026, as an anti-illegal immigration march drew demonstrators to the city centre, while a separate peaceful human chain at Salt River Circle called for unity and rejected xenophobia.
Protestors gathered outside the Provincial
Parliament in Wale Street, CBD
The anti-illegal immigration march, organised by the March and March movement, alongside the Labour and Civic Organisation (LACO) and Operation Dudula converged at the Company Gardens before making their way to the Western Cape Provincial Parliament. Protestors called for stronger action against undocumented foreign nationals, arguing that illegal immigration has contributed to rising crime, unemployment and pressure on public services. Police and City law enforcement maintained a strong presence throughout the march, which caused traffic disruptions in parts of the CBD but concluded largely without major incidents.
At the same time, a contrasting message emerged a few kilometers away at Salt RIver Circle, where community organisations, activists and residents formed a human chain in solidarity with migrants and refugees. Participants held placards condemning xenophobia and urging South Africans to reject violence and discrimination. Organisers said the demonstration was intended to promote peace, social cohesion and the protection of human rights amid growing tensions surrounding immigration.
The two gatherings reflected the deeply divided views surrounding immigration in South Africa. While one group demanded stricter enforcement of immigration laws and the removal of undocumented foreign nationals, the other emphasised that concerns over immigration should not lead to hostility or violence against people living in the country.
Done by Keelyn Jardien
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