Groups campaigning against undocumented migrants say June 30 was only the beginning of their protest action in the Western Cape.
Demonstrations took place in several areas on Tuesday, 30 June, including Cape Town, Hermanus, Kraaifontein and Delft.
Community members gathered under banners linked to March and March, Operation Dudula and the Labour and Civic Organisation.
The groups said they were unhappy with what they described as an unsatisfactory response from the Western Cape Government.
They have now vowed to intensify their campaign.
Cape Town march goes ahead
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said earlier in the day that the City had not received a formal application for a march.
However, a demonstration later proceeded through the Cape Town CBD.
The crowd reportedly started small before growing as supporters from different groups joined the march.
The protesters argued that undocumented migrants contribute to unemployment, crime and social problems, including gender-based violence and drug abuse.
Those claims remain widely contested and are not supported by a single body of evidence.
Groups demand government response
LACO representative Sipho Mahilili said Tuesday’s march was aimed at getting a response to a memorandum handed to the Western Cape Government on 11 June.
He said the deadline had passed without a response.
“We are here to get the response because the deadline has passed, yet they have not responded,” Mahilili said.
He said the groups had sent emails and made calls but had not heard back.
The protesters said the lack of response showed that officials were not taking their concerns seriously.
Migration tensions remain high
The Western Cape protests formed part of wider action linked to the June 30 deadline set by groups calling for tougher action against undocumented migrants.
The campaign has raised concern among foreign nationals, civil society groups and business owners in affected communities.
Some areas across the province were closely watched as demonstrators gathered.
The protests also came amid wider debate about immigration enforcement, public safety and the role of ordinary residents in raising concerns.
Authorities have previously warned that protests must remain peaceful and lawful.
The groups behind Tuesday’s demonstrations say their campaign will continue until government responds to their demands.