ActionSA Johannesburg Councilor Tshepo Mposula Backs Anti‑Illegal Immigration March
On 30 June 2026, Tshepo Mposula, an ActionSA councillor representing Johannesburg, voiced his support for a city‑wide demonstration calling for stricter measures against undocumented foreigners. The march, organised by the United Business Confederation (UBC) and allied groups, proceeded from Thokoza Park to the Jabulani Civic Centre where protesters intended to hand over a memorandum demanding tighter border controls.
Why the Protest Matters
Mposula argued that the government’s inability to track undocumented migrants hampers public safety and service delivery. He stated:
“We can’t detect them because they’re not in our system. We don’t know who they are.”
According to the councillor, the lack of reliable data prevents authorities from monitoring individuals who may be involved in criminal activity or who are operating informal businesses without proper licences.
Key Demands Raised by the March Organisers
- Implementation of stricter verification processes at ports of entry and within domestic territories.
- Allocation of state resources toward border management and crime prevention rather than policing peaceful protesters.
- A transparent audit of the R600 million reportedly earmarked for security operations during the demonstration, including disclosure of the private security firms involved.
- Continued peaceful demonstrations until the government presents a concrete plan to address what Mposula describes as a “growing crisis” of illegal immigration.
Government Spending and Security Concerns
Mposula criticised the reported deployment of extensive police and private security assets for the march, contending that the same funds could be better spent on strengthening South Africa’s borders. He echoed a sentiment expressed in a Sowetan tweet on the day of the protest:
“The government should address the problem of illegal migration instead of spending money on surveillance of South Africans.”
He also called for an independent audit to ascertain how the security budget was utilised and to identify the owners of the contracted security firms.
Broader National Reaction
The Johannesburg march was part of a wider wave of protests that took place in Durban and Cape Town on the same day. Coverage from Business Day and Times LIVE highlighted similar concerns raised by the Labour and Civic Organisation (LACO) and other civic groups:
Across the three metros, organisers stressed the importance of maintaining peaceful conduct while warning that growing frustration among citizens could lead to heightened tensions if governmental action remains delayed.
Looking Forward
Mposula concluded by reaffirming his commitment to the cause:
“We will march further and further until we win. We will persevere. We will continue to put pressure on the government and on illegal immigrants to ensure that this crisis is resolved.”
As the debate over immigration policy continues, the councillor’s statements underscore a broader call for evidence‑based approaches, transparent budgeting, and sustained dialogue between authorities, civil society, and affected communities.
