KATLEHONG, Gauteng – Hundreds of residents in Katlehong, south-east of Johannesburg, took to the streets on Wednesday to protest against undocumented immigrants, whom they accuse of operating illegal shops, occupying housing, and overwhelming local services.
Protesters marched through the area carrying traditional weapons and chanting slogans, demanding that undocumented foreign nationals “go back to their respective countries.” The demonstration disrupted normal traffic and drew a heavy police presence.
Members of the South African Police Service were deployed to the area as early as 6:00 a.m., according to a reporter on the scene. Police officers were seen monitoring the march.
‘Enough is Enough’
Residents interviewed during the march expressed frustration with what they described as years of neglect.
“We are saying enough is enough,” one protester said. “Those who are undocumented should leave.”
Another resident detailed specific grievances: “We are suffering because of churches that are full of them, we are suffering because of tuck shops that are everywhere, we are suffering because of houses they have obtained illegally. That is what hurts us the most.”
The protesters demanded that foreign nationals close their shops peacefully. When asked whether there was a deadline for compliance, one community member responded: “Yes, there is a deadline. Today we say they must close. We will speak to the station commander – he will do verification. On the 30th, they are all leaving.”
Municipality: Immigration is Home Affairs’ Responsibility
Ekurhuleni Metro spokesperson Phakamile Mbengashe spoke to the crowd, acknowledging the right to protest lawfully but clarifying the municipality’s limited authority over immigration matters.
“South Africa, we do acknowledge the right to march and protest lawfully,” Mbengashe said. “The municipality – it is not within our authority to deal with immigration. That is the competency of Home Affairs. But we do support Home Affairs when they do their operations.”
Mbengashe also addressed compliance requirements for foreign-owned businesses, noting that the municipality had previously communicated what is required for legal immigrants operating shops – including proper permits and lawful documentation.
Residents Reject ‘Xenophobic’ Label
When asked whether their actions could be characterized as xenophobic attacks, protesters strongly rejected the term.
“We are not xenophobic – we are not attacking foreign nationals. We are saying they must close because they are operating illegally,” one marcher explained. “If they were legal, we would defend them even if something bad happened. But they must close because they are non-compliant.”
Another resident added: “We are not fighting. We are protecting our land.”
Protesters also expressed deep disillusionment with the government, saying they had lost hope.
“I have lost all hope in the government,” one man said. “We need independent councillors, people who are not from political parties, because these councillors are taking mandates from political parties, not from the community.”
He further criticized national leadership, referencing remarks by Deputy President Paul Mashatile. “Paul Mashatile says the soldiers will not disperse us. President Ramaphosa sees what problem we are facing, but he says they will not disperse us. It’s like pouring water on a duck’s back.”
Call for Government Engagement
Residents have set a deadline of the 30th of the month, warning that they will sit in the streets until the government addresses their concerns.
“We will sit in the streets – no one will get hurt – but we will sit in the streets so that the government can come and help,” a protester said. “At the GSI, different ministers will meet to try and talk about this problem that we are facing.”
The crowd demanded that the Ramkopan station commander meet with Home Affairs officials to conduct verification of all foreign nationals in the area.
The situation remained tense but largely peaceful at the time of the report, with police maintaining a visible presence throughout the march.