South Africa must strictly enforce its immigration laws, and this should not be mischaracterised as xenophobia, according to ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba.
Mashaba says illegal immigration has reached crisis levels in the country and requires urgent government intervention to restore order and address growing public concern.
Vusimuzi Sibanda, Chairperson of the Africa Diaspora Global Network, also acknowledged the significance of addressing illegal migration, saying it remains a key issue affecting communities across the country.
Meanwhile, residents in areas including KuGompo City and the Buffalo City Metro have begun taking to the streets as part of ongoing anti-illegal immigration marches.
Police are maintaining a heavy presence nationwide, closely monitoring demonstrations to prevent violence and ensure public order is upheld.
In KuGompo City, members linked to the March and March movement have held repeated protests outside foreign-owned spaza shops, with organisers alleging that one of the shop owners was involved in selling drugs.
Across the country, thousands of South Africans are participating in marches calling for stricter immigration enforcement and the deportation of undocumented migrants.
Authorities say they are monitoring developments closely as protests continue in multiple provinces.
In Limpopo, Malawian nationals remain stranded at a temporary repatriation processing centre in Musina, where many have reportedly spent up to three nights sleeping on buses or on the ground while awaiting repatriation through the Beitbridge Border Post. Government established the facility to assist with the orderly return of foreign nationals to their countries of origin.
In Cape Town, Home Affairs offices in Epping are continuing to process migrant documentation as part of ongoing repatriation efforts.
Elsewhere, tensions have been reported in Yeoville, where organisers are maintaining control over gatherings, with reports of rocks being thrown during the protests.
Police say they remain on high alert nationwide as demonstrations continue to unfold.