Soweto activist calls for unity over illegal immigration

Anti-illegal immigration activist and leader of Insizwa Nobunsizwa, Nkosikhona Ndabandaba, popularly known as ‘Phakel’umthakathi’, has warned that no one will protect illegal immigrants in South Africa.

Ndabandaba made the remarks while addressing residents from Zola, Emdeni, Jabulani and surrounding areas at Zola 3 on September 8.

He emphasised that for the nation to tackle illegal immigration, South Africans must unite regardless of their tribal differences, while also assuring residents that his movement stands against tribalism.

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He further pledged to stand alongside Soweto residents who want to take a stand against illegal immigration, stating that he is ready to support them in their efforts.

“To those who want foreigners to leave, we will meet and arrange a date and involve the police,” he said.

“We need to establish whether people from countries such as Bangladesh and Ethiopia who are currently in South Africa initially entered the country with the required documentation.

Even if they now have papers, we should check whether they were documented when they first entered the country. Small businesses are meant for South Africans, and we need to ensure that the relevant regulations are being followed.”

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He added that it is unfair to describe South Africans as lazy, alleging that when it comes to Seta, Small Business Development and Local Economic Development programmes, funding is allocated to immigrants, making it difficult for South Africans to start and run businesses.

Speaking to Urban News, Ward 151 Zola community leader Zakhele Phumo said it was important for them to have the meeting so that they could address the community’s grievances and find solutions in a proper and legal manner.

He said that while communities have the right to take action against illegal immigration, they should not resort to violence, unnecessary arrests or the destruction of infrastructure.

He stressed that damaging their own communities is not a solution to the challenges facing the country.

“We are here to promote unity and encourage communities to address their challenges in a peaceful and proper manner,” he said.

“As community leaders, our role is to provide guidance and strategies that will help people understand the issues better and prevent individuals from misleading the community and society at large.”

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Phumo claimed that illegal immigration contributes to several challenges in the community, claiming that some undocumented individuals are difficult to trace.

“I was not happy with how the meeting was conducted,” said Emdeni resident Musa Tshabalala.

“Phakel’Mthakathi needs to engage with all Sowetans because, without involving the broader community, I do not see how we can find a way forward on this matter. I hope more people will be informed about the upcoming date and come forward to participate in the discussions.”