Leandra residents march against illegal immigration, demand action from authorities
In their memorandum, residents called on the SAPS and the Department of Home Affairs to urgently verify the legal status of foreign nationals in the township.
Leandra community members used Youth Day on June 16 to march to the Leandra Police Station, where they handed over a memorandum expressing concerns about the presence of undocumented foreign nationals in the area.
The residents said they were responding to calls for authorities to take decisive action against illegal immigration, which they allege contributes to crime and the operation of businesses without the necessary permits and licences.
In their memorandum, residents called on the SAPS and the Department of Home Affairs to urgently verify the legal status of foreign nationals in the township.
They argued that the growing number of undocumented immigrants poses a security risk to the community.
The memorandum also urged SAPS and municipal law enforcement authorities to inspect foreign-owned spaza shops.
Residents alleged that some businesses are operating without valid licences or permits and accused certain shop owners of selling expired food products.
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March convener, Portia Ntiane, said community members are frustrated by what they perceive as a lack of action against illegal immigration and drug-related crime.
Our young people are being destroyed by drugs.
“As locals, we do not have businesses because they are operated by immigrants; they are also selling expired goods to our unsuspecting community. As locals, we need to reclaim what belongs to us.
“We are currently faced with many social ills as a community, like youth unemployment, and we believe many of them are linked to illegal immigrants living among us. It is time for them to leave and give us space to resolve our issues,” said Ntiane.
The residents further called on authorities to conduct inspections of local businesses that they suspect may be employing undocumented foreign nationals while they are sitting at home unemployed, urging law enforcement and labour authorities to ensure compliance with the country’s labour and immigration legislation.
In their memorandum, community members also requested an investigation into allegations that some foreign nationals are occupying or owning Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) houses that were intended for qualifying South African beneficiaries.
They argued that many local residents remain on housing waiting lists and continue to live without adequate shelter.
The marchers said their concerns are not directed at individuals based on nationality, but rather at perceived failures in the enforcement of immigration, labour, and housing regulations.
They called on SAPS, the Department of Home Affairs, and other relevant government departments to respond to their concerns and provide feedback on the measures being taken to address them.
Community leaders who took part in the march said they hoped authorities would engage with residents and take appropriate action where violations of the law are identified.
They said the memorandum reflects concerns raised by community members regarding crime, employment opportunities, and access to government housing programmes.
Their memorandum was received by the Leandra Police Station commander, Lieutenant Colonel Laurence Vilakazi, who was given seven days to respond to the community’s demands.
