An anti-immigrant group in the Eastern Cape has announced plans to use its 67 minutes for Mandela Day on Friday to “clean” major towns of undocumented immigrants, intensifying a campaign that has already resulted in the arrest of one of its members.
The controversial declaration comes as many South Africans prepare to mark Nelson Mandela’s birthday on 18 July by dedicating time to community service in honour of the late statesman’s legacy of unity and reconciliation.
Instead, the Eastern Cape chapter of March and March says it will devote its 67 minutes to targeting undocumented foreign nationals across the province.
Arrest Sparks Escalation
The group’s renewed push follows the arrest of 40-year-old Siyabonga Mxhiya, a member of the movement who was detained in Mdantsane last week for allegedly intimidating foreigners.
Mxhiya remains in police custody and is expected to apply for bail in the Mdantsane Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
His arrest appears to have galvanised the organisation rather than deterred it.
March and March’s Eastern Cape organiser, Azola Mrano, accused police of unfairly targeting anti-immigrant activists and said the group would step up its activities in response.
“We have held peaceful marches since 30 March 2026 and submitted petitions to various government departments, but have received no response. We have seen little appetite from the authorities to deal with illegal immigrants. We have also witnessed what we regard as intimidation from both the police and people who claim to protect illegal immigrants,” said Mrano.
‘We Will Use Our 67 Minutes’
Mrano said the organisation intended to escalate its campaign in the days leading up to Mandela Day.
“We [will] engage all provincial heads of department, including [the Eastern Cape] police commissioner, to come to the party in dealing with illegal immigrants … this month.
“On 17 July, [ahead of] Nelson Mandela’s birthday, as the country would be spending their 67 minutes in the Eastern Cape, we will be cleaning all our cities of ‘illegal’ immigrants. We will use our 67 minutes to clean our province,” Mrano added.
According to the group, the campaign will focus on stepping up inspections of businesses believed to be operated by undocumented foreigners and pressuring such individuals to leave the province.
Mthatha community leader Phikolomzi Adonis echoed the call.
“We see in other provinces that immigrants are leaving the country, but in our province, it is business as usual. We will use our 67 minutes for Mandela Day on Friday to drive a campaign aimed at ridding our province of illegal immigrants.”
Adonis said the group planned to replicate operations similar to one conducted in KuGompo on Thursday, during which foreign-owned shops reportedly closed for the day.
Government and Police Push Back
The announcement has drawn firm warnings from national and provincial authorities.
On Sunday, Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi cautioned that no individual or group was permitted to take the law into their own hands or engage in vigilante action against undocumented foreign nationals.
Kubayi said that since 12 June, 53 449 foreigners had been repatriated or deported nationwide, signalling that immigration enforcement remained the responsibility of the state.
Eastern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana rejected allegations that officers were intimidating anti-immigrant activists.
“SAPS refutes claims that our members have intimidated anti-immigrant activists. We act professionally and impartially,” Gantana said.
She stressed that “lawlessness” would not be tolerated and warned that anyone targeting or intimidating foreign nationals would face arrest.
“We will arrest anyone who intimidates or targets foreign nationals,” Gantana said.
Responding to claims of police inaction, Gantana pointed to recent enforcement statistics.
“On the claim of police inaction, our record speaks otherwise. Between 28 June and 3 July 2026, a total of 1 021 foreign nationals were arrested for various crimes, including fraud, contravention of [the] Immigration Act and contravention of the Environmental Act.”
She added that police operations against criminal activity would continue across all districts in the province.
“We call on all communities to remain peaceful and allow SAPS to do its lawful work without interference.”
Tensions Ahead of Mandela Day
The group’s plans have raised concerns about potential unrest as communities prepare for Mandela Day activities.
Traditionally, South Africans mark 18 July by dedicating 67 minutes to acts of service, symbolising the 67 years Nelson Mandela devoted to public life. This year, however, the Eastern Cape’s planned anti-immigrant campaign threatens to cast a shadow over commemorations in parts of the province.
While March and March insists its actions are aimed at undocumented immigrants, authorities have warned that such campaigns risk crossing into intimidation and unlawful conduct.
With Mxhiya’s bail application due in court and the group pressing ahead with its plans, police say they are monitoring the situation closely.
As Mandela Day approaches, the province finds itself at a crossroads — between calls for community action framed as immigration enforcement and firm warnings from government that only lawful authorities may carry out such duties.
