Lekwa residents are divided over call for illegal immigrants to leave SA
Local share their thoughts on this burning issue.
Today, June 30, is the deadline set by March and March for undocumented immigrants to leave South Africa, local residents have expressed differing views on the matter.
While some residents support the call, others believe authorities should focus on ensuring that all immigrants possess the necessary documentation to remain in the country legally.
March to municipal offices
The Sakhile community members under the March and March movement banner marched to the Lekwa Municipality on June 23, where they handed over a memorandum demanding that the municipality, together with other government departments and law enforcement, start operations against illegal immigrants.
Seello Tsotestsi, who was leading the march, said what they want is for the government to act against illegal immigrants and ensure compliance at their tuck shops.
“We are pleased to inform the community that following the submission of our memorandum at Lekwa Local Municipality, the relevant government departments that received our demands have commenced with inspection operations relating to undocumented foreign nationals and businesses operating outside the law,” said Tsotetsi.
They also argue that government has failed to effectively control the influx of undocumented immigrants through the country’s borders.
The undocumented
One community leader, Paulos Thwala, said they want all undocumented immigrants to leave by June 30 so that local communities can address social challenges such as unemployment, drug abuse and crime.
“We are not xenophobic. Look at our townships and towns; they have been turned into drug hubs. We have tuck shops in almost every street, and there are cases where our children become ill after consuming snacks bought from these shops.
“Our township is filthy because of foreign nationals who sell food and vegetables in public spaces.
“I have never seen the police or officials from the Department of Home Affairs visit these areas to verify whether these people have legal documentation to be in the country. We like them, but they must be in South Africa legally,” said Thwala.
He added that undocumented immigrants are difficult to trace because government authorities often do not have their records and fingerprints.
“We cannot blame the police if they cannot catch criminals because they are not the ones who allowed undocumented immigrants into the country.”
Tuck shops
There is a common belief among residents of townships throughout the country that tuck shops are mainly operated by foreigners and that regular inspections should be conducted to ensure the shopkeepers are documented and that their goods have not expired.
Although complaints are often voiced about tuck shops, there are people such as pensioners who welcome these little shops in their neighbourhoods.
A local pensioner who wants to remain anonymous for fear of intimidation said if these tuck shops are shut down and their owners leave the country, it will create difficulties for the elderly, who are able to buy goods on credit and pay once they receive their pension grants.
“I am supporting five orphaned grandchildren and paying for their schooling with my pension. Having a tuck shop near my home has helped me a lot because I am able to support my grandchildren with the little income that I receive.
“I am not against the idea that those who do not have legal documents to be in the country should leave, but I am worried about whether the person who assists me has the necessary documents,” said the pensioner.
Leaders representing foreign-owned shops declined to comment.
A foreign affair
Antonio Mthabela, a Mozambican national who sells fruit and vegetables, said it was concerning that some locals wanted all foreign nationals to leave, regardless of whether they possess legal documentation.
“On Monday (June 23), a group of men told me and others to pack our goods and leave without even asking whether we had legal documents to be here.
“I do not deny that some foreign nationals are involved in crime. Young people are being destroyed by drugs.
“The question local residents are asking is valid: Why are some people from Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Nigeria and other African countries involved in selling drugs to local youth while not using those drugs themselves?” said Mthabela.
Mthabela believes there is a misperception among residents that all foreign nationals are contributing to the country’s social problems and crime statistics.
“This is not true. Many of us are hard-working, law-abiding people who contribute to the country’s economy and are in good standing with the locals. We just want to peacefully co-exist. We also want the criminals to be brought to justice.”
Community leaders share their thoughts
Pheelo Mlotshwa said that by working together with the police and the immigration office, they conduct operations to ensure that immigrants are in the country legally in Standerton.
“If a community can work hand in hand with law enforcement and immigration, we won’t have a problem with illegal immigrants. They will tell one another that South African law is harsh when it comes to illegal immigrants.
“Most of the undocumented migrants in Lekwa work as labourers on construction sites. This situation is changing because those without documents get arrested,” said Mlotshwa.
Wara Nkutha, a community member, said illegal immigrants must go to their own countries and get their paperwork in order. He said no country can afford to have unknown people.
“It’s not that we hate them; they need to have documents that identify them and enable the authorities to trace them if they commit a crime,” said Nkutha.
Jabulani Sibeko, a Sakhile community member, said asylum seekers’ documents also need to be scrutinised and alleged that some of those seeking asylum possess fake documents.
“Our government also needs to look at the issue of asylum seekers in this country because some of them possess fraudulent documents.”
Neighbouring towns
On June 16, March and March Leandra also staged a protest against the influx of undocumented immigrants.
The group handed a memorandum to the Leandra police, expressing concerns about undocumented foreign nationals allegedly being involved in criminal activities, selling expired food products and occupying RDP houses while many local residents remain without adequate housing.
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has revealed that R600 million has been redirected from the South African Police Service (SAPS) to ensure smooth operational readiness ahead of the planned nationwide demonstrations on June 30.
ALSO CHECK: Former Home Affairs officials in Secunda appear in court over ID fraud
ALSO CHECK: Mayor claims Govan Mbeki Municipality has made considerable progress since 2021
