By Rahim Abdul
The March and March Movement has taken its campaign against undocumented foreign nationals to the 46th SADC Summit in Durban, South Africa, calling on regional leaders to take responsibility for their citizens living in South Africa without legal documentation.
The movement staged a march and picket outside the SADC Summit on Monday, August 17, 2026, under the theme “It’s time to fetch your people.” National spokesperson Sandile Dube confirmed that the group would demonstrate outside the summit venue.
The protest targeted leaders attending the summit at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, with the movement demanding that SADC member states address the presence of their undocumented nationals in South Africa and facilitate their return.
According to SABC News, a large police contingent was deployed around Durban City Hall ahead of the march, where activists were expected to begin their demonstration before taking their grievances to SADC leaders at the International Convention Centre.
March and March has also announced plans for what it described as a second wave of its June 30 National Day of Action, calling on regional leaders to prepare for what it termed a mass deportation of undocumented foreign nationals by September 30, 2026.
The movement’s demands include stricter visa controls, a review of asylum policies, action against employers employing undocumented workers, accountability for corrupt police officials and restrictions on access to public services for undocumented migrants.
The protest comes as SADC leaders gather in Durban for the 46th Ordinary Summit, hosted by South Africa, with regional integration, peace and security among the issues under discussion. South African authorities had earlier warned that peaceful protest would be allowed but that attempts to disrupt the summit, intimidation or criminal activity would not be tolerated.
