KuGompo City, Eastern Cape — Members of the March and March Movement took to the streets of KuGompo City to demand that the Buffalo City Metro and the Eastern Cape government take decisive action on undocumented immigrants and fulfill commitments made during an earlier demonstration.
Protesters, operating under the banner of the March and March Movement, marched through the city to express their dissatisfaction with the pace of enforcement against undocumented foreign nationals. They argue that local and provincial authorities are failing to implement the law, especially when compared to the stricter measures seen in other provinces.
Prominent movement figures Ngizwe Mchunu and Nkosikhona Phakel’umthakathi Ndabandaba joined the demonstrators to amplify their call for immediate government intervention.
Unfulfilled Promises and the Mayor’s Absence
The marchers arrived with a comprehensive memorandum of demands intended for the office of the Buffalo City Metro Mayor, the police, the Department of Home Affairs, and the Magistrates Court.
Their demands directed at law enforcement focus on addressing allegations of bribery, drug dealing, and a systemic failure to prosecute offenders. Furthermore, the group is calling on the justice system to strictly apply the law, deny bail to foreign nationals, and prioritize deportations.
However, the demonstration was marked by frustration over the absence of Buffalo City Metro Mayor Faku, who did not receive the memorandum in person. Mayor Faku’s office later stated that they had not received any formal application from the marchers intending to deliver the document at her office.
Protesters expressed deep disappointment with how they were treated, accusing the Mayor of breaking promises made during a previous march in April. Demonstrators specifically highlighted the continued operation of a business or entity referred to as “California,” which they claim the Mayor had previously promised would be shut down but is now operating as usual.
Local Delivery Drivers Join the Call
The protest also drew significant support from local delivery drivers who are raising concerns over the impact of undocumented migrants on their livelihoods.
Speaking on the sidelines of the march, participating drivers noted that South African citizens currently make up only about 5% of the delivery industry. In response, they outlined proactive measures to increase local participation. The drivers stated they are inviting and training at least 20 South Africans to ride motorcycles and enter the sector, with the goal of increasing local dominance and reducing the industry’s reliance on foreign nationals.
Police Accept Memorandum Amid Funding Frustrations
While the Mayor’s office did not accept the document, station management representing the Department of Justice and the police received the memorandum. Officials welcomed the document, promising to review the demands and escalate the issues to the relevant departments and management. They noted that the grievances raised by the protesters extend beyond the police service alone.
Despite the police accepting the memo, tensions remain high regarding state resources. The protesters voiced strong disappointment over a recent R600 million allocation intended to beef up policing ahead of a separate, planned protest action scheduled for June 30, questioning the prioritization of funds in light of their ongoing, unaddressed grievances.