Various civic organisations, backed by a few political parties and labour unions, took to the streets of Durban on Monday to voice their concerns about high illegal immigration levels in the country.
Scores of marchers, the majority of whom are youth, said they are standing up because South Africa’s future is in their hands, and they want the government to take action against undocumented foreign nationals.
They said that the high number of undocumented foreign nationals has a significant impact on unemployment levels, safety, security and the socio-economic well-being of South African communities.
The protest, which started at the King Dinuzulu Gardens, in Durban, and ended at the Durban City Hall, was organised by radio personality Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma of the March in March Movement. It was joined by Operation Dudula, Defend Democracy, and others.
Amongst the demands are the strengthening of border security, deportation of illegal immigrants, tightening of immigration policies, a collaboration between local authorities and NGOs, and public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the risks of illegal immigration, identity theft and crime.
Ngobese-Zuma said anyone who is in the country illegally is a criminal.
“It remains an untold truth that many young people in our country cannot access jobs in the hospitality industry because thousands of the said jobs are taken by illegal immigrants who are willing to take any remuneration even if it is below the prescribed minimum wage,” read the memorandum.
It further revealed that the hairdressing industry (beauty salons) has become a hub of illegal immigrants, depriving South Africans of jobs and using the establishments to also sell drugs.
“It is either we do it now or we all perish,” read the memorandum.
They added that it is also a common cause that the logistics industry has faced challenges over the years.
The memorandum acknowledged that the Parliament in 2002 promulgated the Immigration Act (13 of 2002) aimed at regulating and controlling the immigration exercise undertaken in the country.
The March in March Movement called upon the government to decisively implement the provisions of the Act.
“We are mindful that South Africa plays a critical role in the South African Development Community (SADC) region and in the African continent in general, particularly in negotiating for peace and ensuring that the citizens of the continent are protected from atrocities and genocide.
“We acknowledge that while playing that responsibility, South Africa opened its doors to those who are suffering in their countries for different reasons, i.e. political instability, economic crisis, civil wars, some may be entering our country looking for jobs and some may be joining for business purposes,” read the memorandum.
They added that the laws of the country need to be enforced.
ActionSA KwaZulu-Natal leader Zwakele Mncwango who was part of the march said immigration must be managed effectively to benefit the local economy and ensure that South Africans are prioritised.
Teresa Nortjie, Patriotic Alliance’s ward 26 councillor candidate said “Our mandate is clear: we don’t want illegal foreigners in the country. They are taking away our livelihoods, and our children’s future, that is why we have joined the march."
Sicelo Mlaba, KZN convenor of Operation Dudula said the majority of South Africa’s towns have an influx of illegal immigrants.
Nkosikhona 'Phakelumthakathi' Ndabandaba, the organiser of the amabutho in KwaMandlakazi, Nongoma said the government must prioritise its citizens.
“The South African government must prioritise its people first. Just as a parent cannot feed neighbours children while hers are starving. It must be understood that we are not against people who are in the country legally, but we are against those who are here illegally,” Ndabandaba said.
Premier Thami Ntuli, was represented by his Special Advisor, Sabelo Gwala who accepted the memorandum on behalf of the KwaZulu-Natal government.
Ntuli had penned a letter to the March for March Movement, which acknowledged the organisation’s commitment to raising awareness through peaceful demonstration, promoting justice, and advocating for a safer and more inclusive community that resonates deeply with the values at the heart of “our” administration.
The Police Ministry led by Minister Senzo Mchunu acknowledged and supported the peaceful march aimed at highlighting concerns regarding undocumented foreign nationals within communities.