Amidst conflicting statements from leaders, challenges remain as the countdown to the June 30 deadline begins, with Nkosikhona "Phakelumthakathi" Ndabandaba and Ngizwe Mchunu expecting more than one million to join the protest action.
Image: Doctor Ngcobo / Independent Newspapers
Nkosikhona "Phakel’umthakathi" Ndabandaba, leader of the Insizwa Ngobunsizwa Development Foundation which is working along March and March against illegal foreigners, on Sunday said the June 30 deadline set by anti-illegal immigration groups for undocumented migrants to leave the country, will not involve violence or looting.
"We will be showing the government that we are a peaceful group of people, and there will be no looting as we lead one million men".
During a media briefing held on Thursday, Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber announced new measures following a significant drug bust at the Beitbridge border, with contraband worth over R1 billion seized.
Schreiber said: "The time for our borders to be a free-for-all is over," indicating a shift towards more robust enforcement of border security.
The Border Management Authority (BMA) also revealed plans for the deployment of cutting-edge technology. This high-tech system will include facial recognition and electronic traveller verification, aimed at bolstering the detection of undocumented migrants attempting to cross into South Africa.
Speaking to members of the media on Sunday, Ndabandaba welcomed some of the efforts being made to manage the country's "porous" borders.
"I can confirm and take you into my confidence that the government is doing something about the issue of illegal immigration," he said.
Nkosikhona "Phakelumthakathi" Ndabandaba and Ngizwe Mchune have addressed the media on their impending deadline for illegal immigrants to leave South Africa.
Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers
Reflecting on the June 30 deadline and what it means for illegal immigrants in the country, Ndababandaba stated that to expect everyone to leave by the end of June is not possible.
He emphasised the need for those who can leave voluntarily to do so, while calling on all African countries, whose citizens are here illegally, to ensure the safe evacuation of their citizens ahead of the deadline.