BLOEMFONTEIN, FREE STATE — The recent Bloemfontein anti-illegal immigration march may have seen a low turnout, but Forum for Service Delivery spokesperson Potso Motoko maintains the protest successfully highlighted critical border control issues, particularly challenging the government’s R600 million security budget ahead of the June 30 deadline.
Despite only a handful of participants joining the peaceful demonstration, organizers insist the sparse crowd does not invalidate the severe socio-economic grievances driving the movement. Residents who attended emphasized that the influx of undocumented foreign nationals is deeply impacting local communities through crippling unemployment and strained public resources.
During the gathering, marchers shared deeply personal frustrations regarding the current state of their neighborhoods. One resident recounted the tragic loss of her child to substance abuse, noting that despite her repeated attempts to report the drug crisis to the police, the issue remains rampant and now poses a threat to her grandchildren. Another citizen expressed anger over stalled housing development, stating they are still waiting for an SMS regarding an RDP (Reconstruction and Development Programme) site allocation and feel entirely forgotten by the state. Others pointed to the alleged occupation of RDP houses by foreign nationals as a primary grievance.
“We are saying enough is enough. Our nation is also in need,” attendees declared, urging undocumented individuals to leave so that South African citizens can properly thrive and benefit from the national economy.
Potso Motoko framed the Bloemfontein rally as a strategic prelude to the impending June 30 deadline, which requires undocumented foreign nationals to vacate the country. Prior to the march, the Forum for Service Delivery submitted a formal memorandum of demands to both the Department of Labour and the Premier’s office.
A major focal point of Motoko’s address was the state’s financial strategy regarding the upcoming deadline. He heavily criticized the R600 million earmarked to ensure safety and security on June 30, arguing that the funds are effectively being used to safeguard undocumented migrants. Motoko alleged that the national government shields these individuals due to foreign political interests, asserting that anyone residing in the country illegally has offended the law and must be assisted in departing.
He demanded that the R600 million be immediately redirected to the Border Management Authority (BMA) and local law enforcement agencies. Highlighting what he described as a glaring contradiction, Motoko questioned the logic of having hundreds of millions available for internal enforcement while the state claims a lack of funds to properly secure the country’s physical borders. He argued the capital should be used to close and guard the borders rather than fund internal operations that he feels unfairly target citizens.
In response to the rally, officials from the Premier’s office were present on the ground to formally receive the community’s grievances.
An official from the Premier’s office confirmed the receipt of the memorandum, assuring attendees that the document would be forwarded directly to Matai, a member of the Premier’s office. The representative committed to ensuring the demands reach the appropriate organs of state, promising to return with a comprehensive response and actionable solutions to address the residents’ grievances as swiftly as possible.