Deportation and shutdown of illegal foreign nationals underway in Meadowlands
Meadowlands residents continued their campaign against undocumented foreign nationals, calling for the closure of allegedly illegal spaza shops and stricter enforcement of immigration laws.
The Meadowlands community continued its campaign to shut down spaza shops and call for the deportation of undocumented foreign nationals across all zones of the community on July 15.
Community members said they are frustrated by what they describe as a lack of action against undocumented foreign nationals and property owners who allegedly rent out premises to them despite repeated calls for intervention. They said spaza shops continue to operate throughout the area.
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One of the organisers, Mlungisi Mlambo, told Urban News that residents believe government has failed the community and that they have decided to take matters into their own hands through lawful means.
“It is our right to protect our country, and we are doing so through these actions. The Immigration Act of 2002, Section 13, states that spaza shops and hair salons are reserved for locals, yet we see them being taken over by undocumented foreign nationals.
“We have also found that many of these people are operating businesses using incorrect documentation, such as asylum permits. We have closed down three spaza shops since we started and are now at our fourth shop,” said Mlambo.
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Community members claimed the businesses do not contribute to the local economy and instead primarily benefit foreign nationals. They also alleged that immigration laws are not being followed.
“We are working with the relevant departments, including Immigration, the JMPD and SAPS, to make sure this initiative is successful and achieves the results we hope for.
“We feel we are being disrespected and, more importantly, that the Constitution is being disregarded in this instance. Once the law is not being followed, there will be consequences, and that is what we are witnessing today,” said Victoria Africa of the Patriotic Alliance.
The community said it would continue the campaign until South Africans own the area’s spaza shops and hair salons and, in their view, contribute positively to the economy.
