VEREENIGING – The weekly anti-illegal migrant protests by the March and March movement saw a massive turnout in town, where scores of people marched to police station to demand stricter enforcement of immigration laws.

The weekly protests were announced by March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma following the nationwide demonstrations held on June 30 targeting undocumented foreign nationals.

In Vereeniging, leaders delivered a memorandum to authorities, calling for swift action and stricter enforcement of imigration laws. Some of the concerns raised during the meeting included illegally operated businesses by undocumented nationals.

Marchers further called for authorities to act by removing those who have hijacked property in town, as well as those who run illegal churches. Furthermore, they called for the vetting of businesses to ensure that those employed have the necessary documentation. A call for the imminent arrest of those dealing in and manufacturing drugs was also on the list.They further highlighted the burning issue of businnesses being run by illegal migrants.

“We are calling on the authorities to establish a permanent anti-illegal immigration unit that would conduct regular raids to help enforce immigration laws and ensure that the law is upheld.”

Leaders say that they will continue with demonstrations until their plights are heard by those in power.
The march saw a strong presence of law enforcement and private Security. According to one of the security companies on the ground, Sekuriteit Sonder Grense, the situation remained under control with a strong presence of SAPS, Vereeniging Traffic, Gauteng Traffic Wardens, and other stakeholders.

The movement says it will hold nationwide marches on Thursday to keep its momentum against undocumented migrants.