By Palesa Matlala
• Hostel dwellers marched from Jabulani Amphitheatre to Protea Police Station, saying unemployment and drug abuse are destroying young South Africans.
• Police said the march remained peaceful and officers would continue operations beyond the 30 June deadline.
Thousands of hostel dwellers, izindunas and amabutho marched through Soweto on Monday, demanding that undocumented foreign nationals leave South Africa.
The protest started at Jabulani Amphitheatre and ended at Protea Police Station, where organisers handed over a memorandum.
The march formed part of nationwide demonstrations linked to the self-imposed 30 June deadline announced by anti-illegal immigration groups.
Many protesters carried traditional shields and sticks while singing struggle songs as they walked through the streets.
Despite the large crowd, police maintained a heavy presence and the demonstration remained peaceful.
The protesters said they were frustrated by rising unemployment, crime, drug abuse and what they believe is the government’s failure to deal with illegal immigration.
Anna Dhlomo from Jabulani Hostel said many young South Africans are losing hope.
“Our children cannot build homes and families on R350,” she said.
“We are losing our children to nyaope and unemployment while government fails to protect us from illegal immigrants.”
She said the protest was about fighting for a better future for South African children.
Nancefield Hostel induna Aaron Xaba said South Africans should be given first preference for jobs, education and business opportunities.
“Things have become hard for our children who are not working while non-South Africans are everywhere,” he said.
Xaba also defended protesters carrying traditional weapons.
He said the shields and sticks are symbols of culture and tradition and are not intended to threaten anyone.
“Our weapons carry traditional meaning and are not used just anyhow,” he said.
Dube Hostel resident Khanyisani Ngidi said communities had welcomed foreign nationals for many years but now believed the country was under pressure.
“They must go. They have brought us many problems, including drugs and crime in our communities,” he said.
Ngidi said government had failed to properly manage immigration, leaving ordinary communities to deal with the consequences.
As protesters arrived at Protea Police Station, March and March leader Nkosikhona “Phakelumthakathi” Ndabandaba urged government to protect both protesters and members of the public.
He said businesses should remain open during the demonstrations.
“We encourage all the shops to open, and we just went to Jabulani Mall, and everyone was happy to see us,” he said.
Ndabandaba also warned politicians against encouraging violence.
“The politicians must stop sending people to dig roads and burn libraries and schools and malls and police stations and attack the police. They must stop that nonsense.”
He claimed the size of the crowd showed how strongly people felt about the issue.
“As you can see, more than 10,000 people are here,” he said.
Gauteng Deputy Provincial Police Commissioner Major General Fred Kekana said police were satisfied that the protest had remained peaceful.
“The people are marching, and it is their right to march,” he said.
Kekana said police would continue monitoring demonstrations across Gauteng and would protect both protesters and residents.
He also confirmed that police operations would continue after the 30 June deadline.
“We are not going to stop operating and ensuring that the community is safe,” he said.
Police have warned that while peaceful protests are protected by law, any violence, intimidation or attacks on people or property will be dealt with immediately.
Pictured above: Hostel dwellers, izindunas and amabutho marched in Soweto ahead of the 30 June deadline on undocumented foreign nationals.
Image source: Palesa Matlala
