Mkhwanazi told MDNtv that ongoing marches by the March & March movement stem from unaddressed complaints about undocumented foreign nationals, crime, jobs, and services, with demonstrations hitting Durban, Richards Bay, Mbombela, and North West Province.
He stressed that immigration enforcement is the state’s job and warned against vigilantism, while police arrest thousands in operations and Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli urges businesses not to hire or house undocumented foreigners. His balanced stance has earned praise as a ‘fearless patriot’ from many, though some call it irresponsible, as protests build toward a June 30 deadline.
“We don't have to all agree, we don't have to be friends we don't have to like each other but we all have a responsibility to serve the interest of South Africas so this country doesn't need heroes but it needs principled people” General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi
“if South Africa is… pic.twitter.com/mMhzLeMVVO
— News Live SA (@newslivesa) May 29, 2026
This is an irresponsible statement by General Mkhwanazi, people are frustrated, we all are—but that does not mean we should take the law into our own hands.
Frustrations with crime and Lawlessness can never justify vingilantism or undermine the rule of Law. pic.twitter.com/mF5Rzpvj8A
— Msunu ka Johann Rupert (@ZizinjaAbelungu) May 30, 2026