Various Soweto communities marched from Extreme Park in Diepkloof to the Diepkloof Police Station on July 9.

The march aimed to support a weekly Thursday protest calling for the deportation of illegal foreign nationals from South Africa, greater employment opportunities for South Africans, and an end to corruption and other social ills.

ALSO READ: JMPD warns motorists of protest action in Pimville and Dlamini

Hamilton Kente, coordinator from Diepkloof, told Urban News that the march was held in support of local communities and to hand over a memorandum requesting police protection when community representatives approach foreign-owned shops and property owners who rent out premises for spaza shops.

“At the end of this, we want our fellow brothers and sisters to own shops and salons. What delays the success of this movement is homeowners who harbour these people, hence the call to also address them on this,” said Kente.

Community member Portia Zulu, who participated in the march, said they hoped the demonstration would serve as a call to the relevant authorities.

She claimed that undocumented foreign nationals had taken over local communities and alleged that issues such as drug-related activities had become more prevalent, which she said was unacceptable.

ALSO READ: Police warn against vigilantism during weekly anti-migrant protests

The demonstration reflected the community’s determination to reclaim its neighbourhoods.

“We demand SAPS escort community representatives to homes and businesses operated by foreign nationals,” read the memorandum.

The memorandum was accepted by Officer Macingwane, who informed the crowd that the station commander was attending a meeting.