In light of anti-illegal immigration demonstrations across the country, scenes in Bloemfontein remain peaceful as protesters march to the O.R. Tambo building, where they are set to hand over memorandums to government departments.
The march was led by community groups including Bloemfontein 051 march, March and March.
According to Archie Phinithi of the Banna Buang Free State Men’s Forum, the objective is firstly to address and remove undocumented foreign nationals, whom he claims are linked to criminal activity and are difficult to trace. Secondly, he alleged that some are being exploited in drug distribution networks due to a lack of formal documentation, making it harder for authorities to identify and monitor them.
“There is a narrative that is circulating that says we are against all foreigners, we are against the illegal immigrants,” he added.
Memorandums were handed over to the Department of Home Affairs, the Legislature and the Premier’s Office.
Phinithi further said they are concerned that residents in Mangaung are struggling to find work, claiming that undocumented foreign nationals are willing to accept any form of employment.
He also called on those in positions of power who employ foreign nationals in their homes to comply with the laws they help create. He urged that labour legislation be followed, saying South Africans should be prioritised for employment and that the labour market should operate in line with the country’s legal framework.
“We are reclaiming this city to it people and those that are legal, it means they pay tax, so we don’t have a problem with them but we will monitor going forward.”
This morning, when Bloemfontein Courant drove around the city at approximately 09:30, the team observed that most shops in Willows and the CBD had closed ahead of the protest. Many have been closed since yesterday (29/6).
Law enforcement has been deployed to parts of the city. Residents and motorists are advised to obey officials, act responsibly, comply with the law, and cooperate with authorities to ensure the anti-illegal immigration march continues peacefully without interruptions.
Gypseenia Lion and Sibongile Selomane
