Only a handful of Boksburg residents were seen participating in today’s (June 30) March and March protests against illegal immigration.

Boksburg Advertiser was on the ground from early this morning and this is what we found:

Boksburg North
Driving along the normally busy Cason Road in Boksburg North, traffic was disrupted as a group of 50 to 60 protesters made their way towards Rietfontein Road shortly after 08:00, before turning back onto Trichardts Road.

Businesses, as well as the Boksburg North Hotel, remained closed, while informal food vendors were also noticeably absent from their usual posts.

East Rand Mall
At the East Rand Mall taxi rank, the area was transformed to a vacant lot, devoid of rushed commuters, with the smokey aroma of chicken being freshly prepared and smothered in basting not filling the air today.

Taxi driver Sfiso Xaba said business was slow. “There are barely any passengers as a lot of people were too scared to go to work. It’s rare, especially at this time of the month,” he said.

A commuter, who wished to remain anonymous, shared his frustrations.

“I have to use e-hailing services to go back home since there are not enough people to fill the taxis. I do, however, support the initiative to march,” he said.

Inside the shopping centre, many shops remained closed.

Angelo
At the Angelo informal settlement, along Main Reef Road, residents sat dotted along the road, the lack of thumping music from local taxi operators making the area seem abnormally quiet.

“The majority of residents here are illegal foreign nationals,” said a spiritual leader, who wished to remain anonymous.

“Over the weekend you saw many carrying their earthly possessions, boarding various vehicles.

“It is good. They must return to their home countries and give South Africans the opportunity to rebuild our country and enjoy living in freedom.

“The ANC has failed its people and now we are having our voices heard.”

“Foreigners are not welcome,” he continued, saying that marches should remain peaceful, ensuring the safety of the country’s citizens.

CBD
In the CBD, it was business as usual for national retailers, but local enterprises remained closed.

A group of youths from Reiger Park were spotted in Commissioner Street, laughing as they shared a bottle of cold drink.

“It is so nice being able to walk the streets. It is so quiet, and we don’t feel unsafe,” said one youth, who wished to remain anonymous.

“It’s bad because my mom couldn’t work today, but we are positive that this is the shift the country needed.

“Young people deserve the opportunity to find employment and to build our futures, without worrying about foreigners threatening our lives.”

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