The nationwide March and March protests reached Springs and Kwa-Thema on June 8 with hundreds of residents taking to the streets to call for the removal of undocumented immigrants from South Africa.
The demonstrations, led by Ngizwe Mchunu and Nkosikhona Ndabandaba, form part of a broader movement of anti-illegal immigration protests that have been taking place across various parts of the country in recent weeks.
Protesters are demanding stricter enforcement of immigration laws and greater government action against illegal migration.
On June 7, President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on the issue of migration.
“These concerns are real. They deserve to be heard and deserve to be addressed,” he said.
He stressed that South Africa’s immigration laws must be enforced.
“The basic principle, on which we all agree, is that every person within the borders of South Africa should be here legally,” Ramaphosa said.
He warned that illegal immigration poses challenges for the country, saying: “Illegal migration if unchecked poses a risk to South Africa’s security, stability and economic progress.
“The Department of Home Affairs, Border Management Authority, South African Police Service and other law enforcement agencies have been and will intensify the process of identifying and deporting undocumented foreign nationals residing illegally in South Africa,” he said.
He also cautioned against vigilantism and xenophobia, saying: “The responsibility for enforcing immigration laws rests with the state and the state alone.
“No other person is allowed, for example, to confront someone in the street to demand proof of nationality,” Ramaphosa said.
Law enforcement officers were deployed throughout the Springs and Kwa-Thema areas to monitor the protests and ensure public safety.
The protests remained peaceful, and no incidents of violence or arrests were reported.
The organisers handed over a memorandum to the Springs Police Station highlighting their grievances
Springs SAPS has confirmed that they received the memorandum and will respond in due time.
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