Safa ukungasebenzi ngenxa yamashangane (we are unemployed because of foreigners).

The slogan echoed through Main Reef Road in Boksburg on July 9 as members of March and March, the All Truck Drivers Forum and Allied South Africa (ADTF ASA) and Operation Dudula targeted local businesses accused of employing foreign nationals instead of South Africans.

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The March and March movement kicked off nationwide on June 30 as a protest against illegal immigration. Organisers say they will continue to march every Thursday, building up to elections in November.

Thursday’s march started at Actonville Hostel in Benoni before making a brief stop at Asma Africa Carriers in Benoni South, where a representative of the business told marchers the company is Zambian-owned, operates a fleet of 183 trucks and that he had no hiring or firing power.

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The group then proceeded along Main Reef towards Boksburg. After passing the Dunswart Taxi Rank, two marchers confronted two men installing cables on the roadside, demanding to see their identity documents.

The protesters later stopped at Brink Construction, where a worker said the company had dismissed some foreign employees.

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The march briefly split when some protesters stopped at Mpumalanga Discount Wire and Fence.

Women ululated while encouraging men to force their way onto the premises by breaking the gate.

A disagreement followed among the march leaders, with some wanting to inspect every company in Boksburg while others insisted they stick to the planned route.

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The groups reunited after another contingent from Boksburg North joined them before stopping at Satellite Fast Foods and Bakery in 11th Avenue, where they demanded to speak to management.

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Also Read: March and March leaders say protest will continue until 'results' are seen

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Manager Harry Xinisteris told march leader Oupa Sello that the company had already removed all foreign employees and was processing CVs submitted by local job seekers.

“We have looked at the CVs we’ve received. Allow us the opportunity to complete the process and do what you are demanding from us,” he said.

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Community leader Tiny Mathabatha rejected the explanation, claiming the bakery had repeatedly made similar promises without employing local residents.

“I don’t believe him. The majority of employees are foreign nationals. There are few South Africans. He’s telling us about this process to get us off his face. He does this all the time,” she said.

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Mathabatha said businesses in the area should prioritise employing Boksburg North residents instead of people from other communities.

“Around 90% of the youth here is unemployed. That’s why they are on the streets abusing drugs and alcohol. Companies here don’t hire them. They have to apply for jobs using addresses from other areas,” she said.

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Sello gave the company until Monday to provide written confirmation that all foreign employees had been removed.

The march then continued to Allbro Industries in Anderbolt, where resident Thandeka Nkosi alleged the company employed hundreds of foreign nationals.

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“Allbro is full of illegal foreigners. I have been told by the workers that most of the foreigners work at night, some even sleep here, while South Africans work during the day,” she claimed.

Responding to a question from another media house on scene, managing director Quintin Lamprecht said, “Some of my foreign employees have been here for 19 years. Some are married to South Africans and have families but are struggling to get documentation”.

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Pressed about their employment practises by march leaders, Lamprecht said, “Give me 50 CVs, but I’m only looking for 10 people.”

Protesters also burned CVs that were inside a box on the company’s premises, insisting only applicants participating in the march should be considered.

The march leaders vowed to continue their campaign until they saw tangible changes.

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Also Read: #June30: Police laud marchers’ discipline

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