Members of March and March have submitted a memorandum demanding job creation, action against gender-based violence and femicide, and stricter immigration laws.

The group marched from Makro in Riverside, Mbombela, to the Mpumalanga provincial government headquarters earlier today, September 17.

Police face serious allegations

March and March deputy provincial convenor Nomandla Ndlovu accused police of widespread corruption and collusion with criminal syndicates.

Police officers from the Public Order Policing unit monitored the march to ensure possible violence was prevented.

Marchers demand job protection and safety

One of the marchers, Sylvia Dlamini, told Lowveld Media that she and many others hailed from the Mpumalanga Highveld and were there for the submission of the memorandum.

“If one looks at the recent murders of women in Gauteng, one can see that enough is not being done to curb the scourge of GBVF in the country. It is along this line, therefore, that we decided to come and march here in Mbombela to prevent the same attacks happening in Gauteng from happening here as well,” said Dlamini.

Another marcher, Nokulunga Mathabela from Mbombela, said there was a major employment problem in Mpumalanga.

“We are aware that many employers give jobs to undocumented foreign nationals at our expense. We demand that immigration laws be strengthened to prevent this unwarranted situation,” said Mathabela.

Police respond to allegations

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo said it was the duty of the police to protect marchers and other people not involved in marches.

“As the police, we have the mandate to protect everyone, including those involved in marches and those not involved. The marchers have a constitutional right to march peacefully without damaging property. We protect the rights of the marchers as well as those of other people and their property. This is the reason our members monitored the march today,” said Masondo.

Regarding the allegation about police officers being involved in criminality, Masondo said anyone with evidence that can support the allegations must provide it to the authorities for investigation.

Provincial government receives demands

The memorandum was received by the Mpumalanga MEC for the Department of Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie, on behalf of Premier Mandla Ndlovu.

Macie’s spokesperson, Mandla Chauke, said the MEC would hand over the memorandum to the premier, but would also look at certain aspects involving safety and security.