ohannesburg, Gauteng – Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has launched a scathing attack on the "March and March" movement, accusing its supporters of targeting vulnerable fellow Africans while ignoring the real architects of South Africa’s economic misery. In a fiery address that has once again placed him at the centre of the nation's heated immigration debate, Malema described the anti-migrant crusade as a "misdirected" struggle that serves the interests of the powerful.
The "March and March" movement, which has gained significant momentum in recent weeks, led a massive demonstration through the Johannesburg CBD and Pretoria on April 29, 2026. The group, supported by various civic organisations and political figures, is demanding the immediate removal of undocumented foreign nationals, claiming they are responsible for the country’s high crime rates and unemployment crisis.
'Misdirected Anger': Malema's Critique
Addressing a gathering of EFF supporters in Gauteng, Malema did not mince his words. He argued that the anger displayed by the "March and March" protesters is being channeled toward the wrong people.
"You are fighting the wrong fight," Malema said. "You are chasing a woman who is selling tomatoes on the street corner because she is from Zimbabwe or Nigeria, but you are not chasing the owners of the banks and the mines who are keeping the wealth of this country for themselves. You are being used to fight your own brothers while the real thieves are laughing at you."
Malema’s comments come at a time when anti-migrant sentiment has reached a boiling point. Protesters wearing "March and March" T-shirts were seen carrying placards that read "March and March until we win" and "Foreigners must go." Some even went as far as demanding that foreign children be removed from schools and that pregnant foreign women be denied access to public hospitals.
The 'McDonald's Massacre' and the CBD Crisis
The "March and March" movement has successfully tapped into the frustrations of many South Africans who feel neglected by the state. The movement’s leaders argue that the influx of undocumented migrants has turned city centres like the Johannesburg CBD into "no-go zones" where illegal trade and crime flourish.
The recent "McDonald's massacre" in the CBD, where five people were killed in a suspected targeted hit, has only added fuel to the fire. Anti-immigration groups have used such incidents to justify their calls for mass deportations, often framing the issue as a matter of national security.
However, Malema warned that this narrative is a trap. "They want you to believe that if you remove the Zimbabweans, you will suddenly have a job. It is a lie. If you remove them today, you will still be unemployed tomorrow because the economy is not designed to benefit you. It is designed to benefit the white monopoly capital that owns everything."
A Lone Voice of Pan-Africanism?
Malema’s stance has made him a target for many anti-immigration activists, some of whom have accused him of being "out of touch" with the realities on the ground. During the "March and March" protests, some demonstrators were heard chanting slogans against the EFF leader, calling him a "sell-out" for his Pan-Africanist views.
Despite the backlash, Malema remains defiant. He has consistently argued that the borders of Africa are colonial impositions designed to divide and conquer the continent. "I will never join a mob that attacks another African," he stated. "We are one people. Our struggle is against the system that keeps us poor, not against our brothers and sisters who are also victims of that same system."
The EFF leader also criticized the government for its "weak" response to the rising tensions. He accused the ruling party of trying to "play both sides" by condemning xenophobia while simultaneously introducing stricter immigration policies to appease voters ahead of the upcoming elections.
The Rise of the 'March and March' Movement
The "March and March" movement represents a new and more organized phase of anti-migrant activism in South Africa. Unlike previous sporadic outbursts of xenophobic violence, this movement is characterized by its ability to mobilize large crowds and its use of social media to spread its message.
The movement has also attracted the support of prominent political figures, including ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba, who was seen at the April 29 demonstration. Mashaba has long been a vocal critic of illegal immigration, arguing that the rule of law must be upheld regardless of nationality.
This political backing has given the "March and March" movement a level of legitimacy that previous vigilante groups lacked. It has also created a significant political challenge for the EFF, which must now balance its Pan-Africanist ideology with the growing frustrations of its own voter base in the townships.
A Nation Divided
As the legal and political battles over immigration continue, the country remains deeply divided. For the supporters of "March and March," the movement is a necessary step toward reclaiming the country's sovereignty. For critics like Malema, it is a dangerous distraction that threatens to tear the social fabric of the nation apart.
The Police Ministry’s recent warning that it will act "decisively" against anti-migrant violence suggests that the state is bracing for further conflict. But as Malema pointed out, the root causes of the anger—poverty, inequality, and lack of opportunity—remain unaddressed.
Until the "real fight" that Malema speaks of is taken up, the streets of Johannesburg and Pretoria are likely to remain a battleground for a struggle that many fear is only just beginning.
