KATLEHONG, Gauteng – A deadline has been set. Shops must close. And residents say they will not move until the government listens.
Hundreds of community members flooded the streets of Katlehong, south-east of Johannesburg, on Wednesday in a tense but largely peaceful protest against undocumented immigrants. Carrying traditional weapons and singing protest songs, marchers demanded that foreign nationals without legal papers leave the country immediately.
“We are saying enough is enough,” one resident declared. “Those who are undocumented should go back to their respective countries.”
A List of Grievances
Protesters did not limit their complaints to immigration status alone. In interviews from the march, residents listed housing, business permits, and public services as flashpoints.
“We are suffering because of churches that are full of them,” a protester said. “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.”
Another marcher added: “A person can see if someone has documents or not. When we approach you and you close your shop, that is the sign that you are illegal.”
Deadline Set for Month-End
When asked whether protesters had given any formal deadline, one community leader was unequivocal.
“Yes, there is a deadline,” he said. “Today we say they must close. We will speak to the station commander – he will do verification. On the 30th, they are all leaving.”
He further warned that if the government does not act, residents will escalate. “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. At the GSI, different ministers will meet to try and talk about this problem that we are facing.”
Municipality Clarifies Its Limited Role
As police officers maintained a visible presence behind the protesters, Ekurhuleni Metro spokesperson Phakamile Mbengashe addressed the situation and had the following to say.
“South Africa, we do acknowledge the right to march and protest lawfully,” Mbengashe said. However, he drew a clear line on municipal powers: “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 reminded residents that compliance rules already exist for foreign-owned businesses. “Last year, we communicated what is required for legal immigrants operating shops – they must have permits, they must be here lawfully. Everything must be in line with the law.”
‘We Are Not Xenophobic’
When a reporter noted that some might call their actions xenophobic attacks, protesters pushed back firmly.
“We are not xenophobic – we are not attacking foreign nationals,” one marcher said. “We are saying they must close because they are operating illegally. If they were legal, we would defend them even if something bad happened. But they must close because they are non-compliant.”
Another added: “We are not fighting. We are protecting our land.”
Loss of Faith in Leadership
Beyond their demands regarding undocumented immigrants, residents voiced deep frustration with the political system.
“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 also referenced national political figures. “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.”
Police Presence and Next Steps
Members of the South African Police Service were deployed to Katlehong as early as 6:00 a.m. on the day of the protest. Officers monitored the march closely, though no major violence was reported.
Residents have demanded that the Ramkopan station commander meet with Home Affairs officials to conduct verification of all foreign nationals in the area. Whether the government will respond before the 30th remains unclear.
For now, the streets of Katlehong remain a stage for frustration – and a countdown has begun.