At the time of publication, organisers expected additional supporters and prominent campaigners to join the march as proceedings continued. Photo: Floyd Mathebula
Residents and community organisations have gathered in Thembisa this morning to participate in a march aimed at raising concerns over illegal immigration, crime and drug-related activities in the township.
The march was organised by the Xolani Khumalo Foundation in partnership with the Thembisa Community Forum (TCF), drawing community members and various stakeholders to the streets of Thembisa.
The event attracted a sizeable crowd of residents, as well as activists and stakeholders known for their involvement in campaigns against illegal immigration and drug-related crime in South Africa. Photo: Floyd Mathebula
Addressing participants ahead of the march, Xolani Khumalo said the initiative was not linked to political campaigning but was intended to highlight concerns raised by residents regarding undocumented immigrants and criminal activity in the area.
Hundreds Join Thembisa March Calling for Action on Crime and Illegal Immigration – June 17, 2026 Residents and community organisations gathered in Thembisa on June 17 to participate in a march aimed at raising concerns over illegal immigration, crime and drug-related activities in the township. The march was organised by the Xolani Khumalo Foundation in partnership with the Thembisa Community Forum (TCF), drawing community members and various stakeholders to the streets of Thembisa. Addressing participants ahead of the march, Xolani Khumalo said the initiative was not linked to political campaigning but was intended to highlight concerns raised by residents regarding undocumented immigrants and criminal activity in the area. “We want those who have invaded our space to leave us in peace. We have been subjected to illegal immigrants for a long time, to a point where they have become comfortable practising crime while hurting our people. We want to send a message that Thembisa belongs to us who were born in it, and we will protect it with everything we have. We want those who sell illegally or live illegally to leave our area; hence we are gathered here,” said Khumalo. Khumalo, who is also a mayoral candidate for Ekurhuleni in the upcoming local government elections, led the delegation of marchers through the township. The event attracted a sizeable crowd of residents, as well as activists and stakeholders known for their involvement in campaigns against illegal immigration and drug-related crime in South Africa. Among those participating was Zandile Dabula, alongside members of the Thembisa Community Forum and other community representatives. At the time of publication, organisers expected additional supporters and prominent campaigners to join the march as proceedings continued.
“We want those who have invaded our space to leave us in peace. We have been subjected to illegal immigrants for a long time, to a point where they have become comfortable practising crime while hurting our people.
“We want to send a message that Thembisa belongs to us who were born in it, and we will protect it with everything we have. We want those who sell illegally or live illegally to leave our area; hence we are gathered here,” said Khumalo.
Khumalo, who is also a mayoral candidate for Ekurhuleni in the upcoming local government elections, led the delegation of marchers through the township.
The march was organised by the Xolani Khumalo Foundation in partnership with the Thembisa Community Forum (TCF). Photo: Floyd Mathebula
The event attracted a sizeable crowd of residents, as well as activists and stakeholders known for their involvement in campaigns against illegal immigration and drug-related crime in South Africa.
Among those participating was Zandile Dabula, alongside members of the Thembisa Community Forum and other community representatives.
At the time of publication, organisers expected additional supporters and prominent campaigners to join the march as proceedings continued.
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Floyd Mathebula is an insightful journalist at The Thembisan. With a passion for storytelling and a commitment to accuracy, Floyd excels at covering community news, highlighting the stories that matter most to local residents and bringing a nuanced perspective to each piece.
