On Wednesday, May 20, 2026, members of the anti-immigrant group “March and March” along with other protesters took to the streets of Qonce in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Their demand was clear: the closure of businesses owned by foreign nationals.
The group reportedly stormed several establishments in the area, aggressively requesting documents from foreign owners to verify their legal status. A video shared by eNCA News captured a tense encounter between the protesters and a Nigerian businessman.
In the footage, the group is seen confronting the Nigerian man, questioning him aggressively and insisting that he shut down his car wash business. The businessman explained that he had fled the war in Nigeria and settled in South Africa in 2005. He stated that he possesses an identification document obtained from the Department of Home Affairs.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding immigration and xenophobia in South Africa, with foreign-owned businesses often being targeted during protests. The Nigerian man’s case underscores the challenges faced by immigrants who have lived legally in the country for decades.
Watch the video below for the full interaction.
