Concerns over planned anti-immigrant march in Dunoon

While anti immigration groups, including March and March and Operation Dudula, are set to host a march in Dunoon on Saturday, 13 June 2026, community leaders and organisations have raised concerns of violence and called for the march to be cancelled.

Flyers promoting the event have been circulating on social media, with groups expressing concerns relating to illegal immigration, crime and unemployment in the community.

Following news of the planned protest, the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in Dunoon has stated that it does not support the march.

SANCO has confirmed to Smile FM news that it will hold a media briefing on Friday, 12 June 2026, at 12 pm in the Dunoon Taxi Rank Boardroom, where it will outline its position on the planned march and ongoing community concerns.

At the same time, the Milnerton Community Policing Forum (CPF) has stated that its primary concern is that the planned march could be exploited by criminals and harm innocent people.

“As a CPF, our mandate is the safety and stability of our community, and anything that creates conditions for lawlessness is something we must oppose, firmly and publicly. We’ve seen what has happened elsewhere,” said CPF chairperson Theresha Hanekom

Hanekom reminded residents that it is the law and the CPF exists to uphold the law, not to look the other way when it is undermined.

The CPF further acknowledge that while the concerns about undocumented immigration are real and must not be dismissed, the answer lies in engaging the proper authorities, not in marches that risk descending into chaos.

“My message to the organisers of this march is this: stand down. Engage through legitimate channels. And my message to residents of our communities is: do not participate in activities that put your neighbours, South African or otherwise, at risk.”

The Milnerton CPF added that it will be in close contact with the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the lead-up to Saturday, and urged all residents to report any suspicious activity or signs of mobilisation.

In a statement, the Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, added that concerns relating to illegal immigration must be addressed through the appropriate channels.

This comes as anti-immigrant protests take place across the province, including Mossel Bay, Kleinmond and Stanford, and other parts of the country.

Marais has urged residents to refrain from inciting violence or targeting foreign nationals, warning that such actions threaten public safety and constitute criminal offences.

“No person has the right to assault, intimidate, harass, or attack another individual based on their nationality or immigration status. South Africa is governed by the rule of law, and any concerns must be reported to the relevant authorities for investigation and action,” added Marais