POLOKWANE – The Dimamo Community Forum says time is running out for homeowners harbouring undocumented cross-border migrants in Mankweng and surrounding areas ahead of its planned ‘A Ba Tsamaye’ march on July 1.

Forum secretary Nelson Ramogale told Review Online that residents of Sephaphosha village who rent out properties to foreign nationals have been summoned to the king’s homestead on Sunday at 11:00.

The meeting is intended to verify that tenants possess valid documentation and have no criminal records.

“This Sunday programme is a formality,” Ramogale said. “It’s an opportunity for citizens harbouring foreign nationals to either tell on or redeem themselves before the march.”

Landlords urged to comply before march

The forum, which operates in areas including Dikgale, Mamabolo, Mothiba, Mothapo and Molepo, plans to deliver memorandums of grievance to the police, the Department of Home Affairs and Polokwane Municipality during the July 1 march.

Ramogale said residents have raised concerns similar to those voiced by the March and March Movement, including fears over unreported crimes and claims that local residents are losing business opportunities in sectors such as construction, domestic work, gardening, hair salons and spaza shops to foreign nationals apparently operating without permits.

“Through an anonymous WhatsApp channel, we have received information on locals allegedly assisting illegal foreign nationals by renting out RDP houses or allowing unpermitted businesses,” he claimed.

“Police told us they are short-staffed, so we compiled a database of suspected names.”

Forum promises peaceful demonstration

Ramogale emphasised that the march would be peaceful and has received municipal approval. He added that door-to-door document checks would be conducted during the march.

Residents found to be contravening regulations could face fines imposed by traditional leadership as well as legal action by law enforcement authorities.

“We are aware we are a target for corrupt civil servants who benefit from these crimes,” he said. “But we are subjecting ourselves to all rules to root out the rot.”

Authorities prepare for July 1

The planned action comes as Home Affairs provincial manager Albert Matsaung confirmed to Review Online that no foreign nationals had approached the department for voluntary repatriation following government’s call for undocumented migrants with no means of returning home.

Matsaung suggested that Limpopo is regarded as a relatively low-threat area compared to provinces such as Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, where March and March-related activities have gained greater traction.

Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said police are adequately resourced to manage demonstrations across the province.

“There will be no shutdown affecting essential services. Any acts of violence, intimidation, looting or road blockades will be dealt with decisively,” he warned.

Public transport organisations have also sought to reassure commuters. Santaco president Abnar Tsebe said taxi operations would continue as normal on July 1 and that no security threats had been identified.

Seshego-Polokwane Taxi Association representative Simon Molomo said members who participate in the march would do so in their personal capacity.

Debate over undocumented migration continues

The forum’s planned protest adds to the growing national debate over undocumented foreigners and its perceived impact on employment opportunities and public services.