South African anti-illegal immigration movement March-and-March has given the Mpumalanga provincial government seven days to address the issue of undocumented foreign nationals in the province.
The movement led a march in Emalahleni, joined by civic movements from surrounding areas.
Scores of residents from Emalahleni and neighbouring towns marched through the streets, submitting a memorandum addressed to Premier Mandla Ndlovu at the local municipal offices.
Although the march was peaceful, most shops in town were closed, and roads were shut for more than five hours.
Demonstrators expressed frustration over the influx of undocumented foreign nationals, citing concerns about drugs, unemployment, and low wages.
SA reputation analysis after migrant protests
Some of the marchers who spoke to SABC news said, “They are bringing drugs into our country and that has led to some of our brothers and sisters losing direction in life. Some of those who are on drugs are now robbing us.”
Another protester said, “We are crying for the future of our children. Nigerians have turned our sisters into prostitutes here. They must leave so that we can fix our country. They can come back later. We no longer have youth in Witbank.”
“They accept low salaries. A general worker is supposed to earn over two hundred rand per day, but in the companies we went to last week, we found that they are accepting one hundred rand”, said another.
March-and-March member Njabulo Mbele outlined the key demands contained in the memorandum submitted to the premier.
“Illegal foreigners are hijacking the buildings. There’s a high rate of drugs in South Africa, there’s prostitution around South Africa, and our kids are learning bad things from these people. We are raising those concerns because we want the government to take accountability. People are running businesses that used to be run by our grandfathers and grandmothers,” Mbele said.
He said the movement wanted all government stakeholders to resolve the matter and ensure undocumented people were properly registered.
“We want all the government stakeholders to make sure that they resolve this issue. People must go back to where they come from and apply. That’s all that we want. All people must have documents because these people, you cannot trace them without documents,” Mbele said.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson Donald Mdhluli said the day passed without major criminal incidents.
“There were no major criminal elements reported in relation to the marches, except for the arrest of three persons,” Mdhluli said.
March-and-March has warned it will intensify its demonstrations if the government fails to respond within the seven-day deadline.
About the Author
