By SA Rainbow News
Published: 1 July 2026
Thousands of South Africans participated in coordinated peaceful marches across the country on 30 June 2026, calling on government to urgently address unemployment, the country’s struggling economy, rising crime and what organisers described as the lack of opportunities for South African citizens.
The nationwide demonstrations, known as the March and March, brought together residents, community leaders, hostel izinduna, youth organisations and civic structures from various provinces. According to organisers, the marches were intended to amplify the concerns of communities and encourage government to take decisive action on pressing socio-economic challenges.
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In Tembisa, thousands of residents gathered from different sections of the township, including Tembisa 1632, Oakmoor Station, Extension 7 Supermarkets, Dalimpofu Quatacamp, Swazi Inn, Mehlaring Stadium and Winnie Mandela. The various groups marched peacefully through the township before converging at Sethokga Hostel, where community leaders addressed supporters.
Participants carried placards, sang struggle songs and called for greater employment opportunities, economic growth, improved service delivery and stronger action against crime. The march remained peaceful as demonstrators exercised their constitutional right to assemble and express their concerns.
Law enforcement agencies, including the South African Police Service (SAPS), Metropolitan Police Departments and other public safety stakeholders, maintained a visible presence throughout the nationwide demonstrations to monitor the situation, ensure public safety and facilitate the peaceful conduct of the marches. Their deployment helped maintain order and support the safe movement of participants in the affected areas.
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According to organisers, the demonstrations also highlighted concerns about undocumented immigration and the operation of some foreign-owned businesses in local communities. Organisers called on government to strengthen border security, enforce immigration laws and take decisive action against businesses they alleged were operating unlawfully.
During the march, many participants chanted the slogan “Ma bahambe”, calling for undocumented foreign nationals to return to their countries of origin. Some demonstrators also called for the closure of foreign-owned spaza shops and businesses, specifically referring to businesses owned by nationals from Pakistan, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria and other countries. These views were expressed by participants during the demonstrations and formed part of the demands presented by organisers.
Organisers said these demands were intended to encourage government to prioritise employment opportunities for South African citizens, strengthen law enforcement, improve border management and respond to concerns raised by local communities.
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According to organisers, memoranda containing the demands of the campaign were submitted to the relevant national authorities, including the Office of the President. Organisers further stated that government had been given seven days to respond to the concerns raised and to indicate the steps it intends to take to address the issues presented by communities.
Several speakers addressed the gathering at Sethokga Hostel, including community leader Xolane, local community leaders, hostel izinduna and other representatives. They encouraged residents to remain united, disciplined and committed to peaceful civic action while advocating for meaningful economic reform, job creation, improved service delivery and safer communities.
SA Rainbow News journalists were on the ground throughout the demonstrations in Tembisa, documenting the day’s events through photographs, video footage and interviews with community members, organisers and local leaders. The newsroom remains committed to providing accurate, balanced and community-focused reporting that reflects the voices and experiences of the communities it serves. Other local and national media houses also covered the nationwide demonstrations from various locations across South Africa.
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Organisers thanked the thousands of South Africans who participated peacefully in the nationwide demonstrations and reaffirmed their commitment to lawful civic action. They expressed hope that government would engage constructively with the memorandum and provide a timely response to the concerns affecting communities across the country.
SA Rainbow News will continue to monitor developments and provide balanced, factual and community-focused reporting on the outcome of the memorandum and any response from the relevant authorities.
Reporting by SA Rainbow News
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