Anti-Illegal immigration protests continue in Alexandra as marchers target trading spaces
As March and March took to the streets yet again, a woman was caught in the anti-illegal immigration sweep, disputing allegations that she is a foreign national.
Anti-illegal immigration protests are showing no signs of ceasing in Alexandra.
Marchers took to the streets again on August 13, in a determined campaign to stop undocumented foreign nationals from trading in spaces they believe should be reserved for South Africans. On Thursday, a number of traders, believed by marchers to be undocumented foreign nationals, were removed from the trading space between 1st and 2nd avenues, near Alfred Nzo Street.
Read more: Protest on London Road
The marchers moved through Watt Avenue, encountering one trader, Sibongile Mbatha, using two containers, including one belonging to a woman who they said recently passed away. The traders questioned Mbatha’s right to use the space, and alleged that she is a foreign national. She was forced to close both the containers.
Mbatha disputed the protesters’ allegations, saying that she is a South African citizen and was given keys to the container by the late owner. When asked to present her identification, Mbatha said the protesters refused to examine it, and instead accused her of purchasing fraudulent documents.
She denied their suggestion that she is Zimbabwean. “I don’t even know, and have not been in Zimbabwe.”
Although Mbatha contested that she was given the right to use the container by the owner, marchers argued that it was inappropriate for Mbatha to occupy the container before its previous owner’s funeral had taken place.
Also read: WATCH: Service delivery protest in Alex
Another marcher, who represented Alex Mall traders on different occasions, Felicia Chauke, said the trading space is managed by the department of economic development, and procedures dictate that vacant stalls should remain unused until the department formally reallocates them to new owners.
Even though Mbatha had the keys, Chauke said she cannot be allowed to use the container.
Mbatha said she felt abused by the group. “It is not the first time March and March has come here. It was always passing by this street.
“This is abuse, to have my container closed? Especially when you are not a foreigner.”
She insisted that the group must now stop what it is doing, because it is beginning to target everyone indiscriminately.
One of the leaders, Nonqobo Ngwenya, advised her that since she is accused of being a foreign national, she should close her stall until the department of home affairs comes to verify her status.
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