Businesses in Alrode South, Alberton have reported receiving ‘compliance notices’ from a group calling themselves Zama Zama Organisation, to try and force them to employ only South African citizens. One such business owner says the group is becoming increasingly intimidating and pleaded for police intervention.

The Zama Zama group is said to have intensified their act by making the rounds in Alrode South, issuing businesses with ‘compliance notices’ in the hope of securing employment. However, the group’s efforts, by traveling in large groups and demanding jobs, are described as intimidating.

Their recent ‘compliance notices’ stressed their demands from business owners.

Demands and expectations

In the letter, they demand that businesses ‘put South Africans first’ and in particular the youth, when hiring employees. They demand that low-earning jobs be reserved and given to South Africans – giving businesses two days to comply with their notice.

Business owner, Cassie Odendaal, who has worked in the area for 22 years, says he has first-hand experience with the group that served him with the notice.

“The group issued a compliance notice to me on Wednesday. In the letter, they say we should employ South Africa’s youth first and then work according to labour law. They’re forcing us to employ them. How can I employ someone violent to me?” he asks.

Odendaal says the group is creating ‘havoc’ in Alrode South by stopping people from going to work. He says police checked and were happy with the documents of foreign national in his employ.

“I’ve got a plastic plant and have half foreigners and half South Africans working here. Just recently, the crowd attacked them. They hit one lady and took her cellphone. I opened a case at the police,” he says.

In January, he says the group stormed his place.

“They started throwing rocks at us. They pelted my new bakkie with rocks and stoned us for about a minute before running away. It’s a big problem in the area and they’re targeting certain businesses,” he explains.

Much-needed intervention

Warrant Officer Gerhard Cornelius, Brackendowns SAPS spokesperson says: “We are definitely on standby. If anything should happen, we are ready to react. We will take the necessary precautions if these guys step out of line or if they commit any crime. We are monitoring the situation and doing patrols in the area.”

He says SAPS’ Area Crime Combatting Unit and the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department are also on high alert.

Comment from the Zama Zama group could not be obtained immediately with one of the organisation’s members saying he will only be able to respond later in the week.