Various communities from Soweto, including Diepkloof and Pimville, joined forces as they marched to Walter Sisulu Square, Kliptown and the Moroka Police Station on June 28.

The march formed part of mobilisation ahead of a planned demonstration on June 30, in which participants are calling for the deportation of foreign nationals.

Community members who spoke to Urban News expressed concerns that foreign nationals are contributing to social challenges such as crime and drug-related activity, and that they are negatively impacting the local economy by taking over spaza shops and other informal businesses.

One of the organisers from Pimville, Gabatswane Tlholoe, said the aim of the march was to raise awareness about the community’s concerns.

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“The whole point of today is to raise awareness of our plight as communities. We are being infiltrated by illegal foreign nationals who have now brought upon many ills and are affecting our economic growth.

“They are very comfortable in our country to a point where they know that nothing will be done to them. This is the time that we fight back for our country,” Tlholoe said.

Community member Kgalema Maleke from Pimville said unemployment among young people remains a major concern, adding that substance abuse is linked to job scarcity.

He believes that if undocumented foreign nationals leave, employment opportunities will improve for locals.

Tlholoe added that South Africa is facing a crisis and argued that allowing people who are not contributing positively to remain in the country is harmful.

Part of the march proceeded to the Moroka Police Station, where a memorandum was handed over.

“Part of this march is going to Moroka police station to hand over a memorandum because we believe that the government and the SAPS are the relevant people to make sure that the law is instilled, and this starts with deporting foreigners; hence this demonstration,” said community leader Enoch Ndlovu from Orlando East.

Community members said they hope the demonstration will highlight the seriousness of their concerns and prompt action from authorities.