March and March to intensify Thursday marches after Gauteng leader killed

The March and March movement has pledged to intensify its nationwide Thursday demonstrations following the fatal shooting of its Gauteng leader, Andile Mvuyelwa Somgxada, and what the movement describes as a wave of threats directed at its organisers.

Leader shot and later died in hospital

National spokesperson Sandile Dube said Somgxada was gunned down as he left his home on July 4 and was taken to hospital, where he “fought for his life until the final hour on Thursday, July 9, 2026, when he was pronounced dead.”

Claims of threats to movement leaders

Dube said the killing comes amid reports that several other movement leaders have received warnings or death threats. He said those threats come from people who he alleged benefit from extortion and the collection of protection fees from undocumented foreign nationals operating illegal businesses.

“We call upon law enforcement authorities to get to the bottom of this matter, as it is bound to create unnecessary tension in various communities,”

Dube confirmed that the movement’s Tshwane regional leader received warning messages following a march held in Mamelodi on Thursday, July 9. He also said similar threats were received in Umlazi township in KwaZulu-Natal and in Mpumalanga province, all directed at March and March leaders.

Plans to step up marches and public call

Despite the reported threats, Dube said the movement would intensify its Thursday marches across the country, particularly in Gauteng, which the movement claims has significant resistance and a high concentration of undocumented foreign nationals.

“We call upon South Africans to stand up in defence of their country against drug cartels, extortionists disguised as security companies, drug dealers and human trafficking agents whose businesses are being disrupted by these continuous marches,”

Memorial and funeral arrangements

Dube urged South Africans to honour Somgxada’s life and legacy, saying:

“We call upon South Africans to honour the life of a fellow patriot and marcher, Mr Andile Mvuyelwa Somgxada, whose legacy will never be allowed to fade in vain,”

He said a memorial service for Somgxada is expected to be held in Gauteng later this week, while his funeral will take place in the Eastern Cape, subject to confirmation by his family.

What the movement is asking of authorities

Dube called on law enforcement to investigate the killing and the reported threats to movement leaders, warning that the situation could “create unnecessary tension in various communities” if not addressed.