MBOMBELA, Mpumalanga – A coalition of local residents and members of the March and March Movement staged a demonstration in the Mbombela Central Business District, urging authorities to address the presence of undocumented foreign nationals in the area.
The group moved through key sectors of the CBD, including Anderson Street and other locales identified by participants as hotspots for drug trafficking, illegal prostitution, and informal commerce operated by foreign nationals. The march concluded with the submission of a formal memorandum to the Mbombela Local Municipality and a visit to the Department of Home Affairs provincial offices.
Protesters articulated several grievances during the demonstration. They alleged that undocumented foreign nationals are disproportionately involved in distributing illegal substances to youth, have gained significant control over retail spaces in the CBD, and are implicated in the exploitation of young people through illegal sex work—claims specifically linked to activity on Anderson Street.
Stone Malope, representing the March and March Movement leadership, addressed participants and media. “Our communities are reaching a breaking point,” Malope said. “We are not opposing foreign nationals who are here legally. We are calling on Home Affairs and municipal structures to enforce existing immigration laws and remove those who are undocumented, particularly where criminal activity is alleged.”
Observers noted that numerous foreign-owned shops along the march route were closed during the demonstration. Organizers emphasized that their demands target undocumented status and alleged illegal conduct, not foreign business ownership broadly.
The memorandum delivered to municipal officials reportedly calls for:
– Immediate verification of immigration status for foreign nationals operating businesses in the CBD
– Enhanced collaboration between Home Affairs, SAPS, and local government to address alleged criminal networks
– A coordinated provincial response to community concerns regarding safety and economic inclusion
The demonstration, which took place during morning hours, was monitored by local law enforcement and concluded without reported disturbances. The March and March Movement indicated they expect a formal response from municipal and national authorities within a reasonable timeframe.
Neither the Mbombela Municipality nor the Department of Home Affairs had released an official statement regarding the memorandum at the time of publication.
