For years, I have said that I have unfinished business in the City of Johannesburg. Today, I say with even greater conviction that I have unfinished business not only in Johannesburg, but in South Africa.

The events of today have once again reminded us that when government refuses to listen, ordinary citizens will find lawful, peaceful and democratic ways to ensure their voices are heard.

I want to extend my sincere gratitude to every South African who exercised their constitutional right to march peacefully. You came out in your thousands from every corner of our country. You demonstrated discipline, restraint and an unwavering commitment to ensuring that your concerns could no longer be ignored.

You proved something that many doubted.

Over the past few weeks, I have been one of the few political party leaders who openly supported today's marches. I did so because I believe that the frustrations expressed by millions of South Africans are genuine and deserve to be heard, not dismissed.

Because of this position, I was interviewed extensively across mainstream media platforms. I was questioned repeatedly. During interviews, including on the Frank Dialogue platform and the Sunday World Podcast, I was challenged and even criticised for my support. One of the recurring questions put to me was whether I would take responsibility if today's marches became violent and people lost their lives. My response was simple then, and it remains the same today. I believe in the people of South Africa.

I believed that citizens who have suffered for years under rising crime, unemployment, collapsing public services and the failure of government to enforce our immigration laws would choose peace over violence. Today they proved exactly that. Today's marches were overwhelmingly peaceful.

No amount of fearmongering could erase the simple truth that South Africans are capable of standing together peacefully when their voices are ignored.

I also note the message communicated by the current administration ahead of today's demonstrations. The President and the governing party insisted that today would simply be another normal working, school and business day.

In one respect, they were correct. South Africans continued to demonstrate that they are responsible citizens. But today was about a nation saying: Enough.

Across many parts of our country, our cities looked different. The streets were orderly. Public spaces were cleaner. The uncontrolled trading that has become synonymous with lawlessness was noticeably absent in many areas. For many South Africans, today represented a glimpse of the orderly, law-abiding country they believe South Africa can and should become.

This conversation has never been about hatred. It has never been about violence. It has never been about xenophobia. It has always been about one principle: the rule of law must apply equally to everyone.

Every sovereign nation has both the right and the obligation to secure its borders, regulate immigration and enforce its laws without fear or favour.

Protecting the citizens of South Africa is the hill I am prepared to die on.

I also wish to acknowledge the leadership shown by the organisers of today's marches, particularly Jacinta Ngobese and the leadership of March and March.

History teaches us one undeniable lesson: when governments stop listening, nations begin speaking. And when nations begin speaking together, no government can afford to ignore them forever.

Today, South Africans spoke peacefully.

Tomorrow, government must finally listen.

Issued by ActionSA Joburg Mayoral candidate Herman Mashaba