Day of protest ends peacefully in Kempton Park and Thembisa

Planned protests against illegal immigration concluded peacefully in Kempton Park and Thembisa on Tuesday, with demonstrators calling on government to strengthen immigration enforcement while law enforcement maintained a visible presence throughout the day.

In Phomolong, community members gathered during the afternoon to voice their concerns about illegal immigration and its perceived impact on local communities.

Several protesters said they believed previous interventions by the City of Ekurhuleni, including efforts led by executive mayor Alderman Nkosindiphile Xhakaza and ward councillors to close non-compliant businesses, had not produced lasting results, claiming that some shops reopened shortly afterwards.

Related article: Protests continue in Thembisa under heavy police monitoring

Participants emphasised that Tuesday’s demonstration would remain peaceful and that they did not support vandalism or violence.

Community member Duduzile Khumalo said she believes unemployment among local youth has been worsened by illegal immigration.

“You find our children sitting on street corners, drinking and using drugs because they feel they have no opportunities. We are not fighting with our hands, but we will continue fighting peacefully for our rights,” she said.

Another attendee, Thabo Maremane, said the community intended to continue engaging on the issue.

Related article: Kempton march underway, Isando Road and Thembisa monitored

“We will continue marching until we see meaningful change. We will also conduct door-to-door awareness campaigns because we want to see change in our community,” he said.

The demonstration concluded peacefully, with participants dispersing without incident.

Meanwhile, in Kempton Park, residents marched from the Department of Home Affairs offices before proceeding along Pretoria Road to the Civic Centre.

During the march, demonstrators called on the Department of Home Affairs to identify and take action against undocumented immigrants. Protesters also argued that public services intended for South African citizens should not be accessed by undocumented foreign nationals.

The march was monitored by law enforcement and concluded without reports of violence or damage to property.

Situation becomes volatile in parts of Johannesburg

While demonstrations in Ekurhuleni remained peaceful, authorities reported two volatile situations in Johannesburg later in the afternoon.

At approximately 17:00, law enforcement confirmed that a protest at the intersection of Jules Street and Monmouth Street in Malvern had become volatile. Officers remained on scene to monitor the situation, and members of the public were urged to avoid the area and make use of alternative routes.

Related article: EMPD increases security ahead of planned Ekurhuleni protests

A separate security incident was also reported in Hillbrow, where the situation escalated during the afternoon.

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) was deployed to assist law enforcement in stabilising the area. Authorities have advised residents and motorists to avoid Hillbrow while security operations continue.

Officials have reiterated their appeal for members of the public to rely only on verified information issued by recognised authorities and to refrain from sharing unconfirmed reports on social media or messaging platforms, as misinformation can create unnecessary panic and complicate emergency response efforts.

This remains a developing story. Further updates will be published as official information becomes available.