By Tshifhiwa Munyai
Residents from the Sinthumule and Kutama areas joined demonstrations against illegal immigration on 30 June as part of similar March and March protests held in various parts of South Africa.
The march, organised by the Zwililo zwa Vhadzulapo organisation, started in Kutama and proceeded to the Tshilwavhusiku Magistrate's Court, where organisers handed over a memorandum outlining their concerns about illegal immigration and calling for stricter enforcement of immigration laws.
During the protest, many spaza shops and other small businesses owned by foreign nationals in the area remained closed, while fewer foreign nationals were visible in the communities. It could not be independently established whether the closures were directly linked to the march or whether some business owners had chosen to close temporarily because of safety concerns.
The demonstration formed part of the national "March and March" campaign, which calls for the removal of undocumented immigrants from South Africa. Protesters marched through the streets singing struggle songs before gathering at the magistrate's court to hand over their memorandum.
The memorandum calls on the government to prioritise South African citizens and ensure that immigration laws are properly enforced. It was received and signed by representatives of the South African Police Service and the National Prosecuting Authority at the Tshilwavhusiku Magistrate's Court.
The spokesperson for Zwililo zwa Vhadzulapo, Rudzani Lisoga, said the organisation planned to continue monitoring businesses and farms in the area during the week.
“We will be visiting business premises and farms to determine whether undocumented immigrants are still working or hiding there,” Lisoga said.
The temporary closure of several spaza shops has affected some residents who rely on the businesses for affordable goods and services. Some community members also expressed concern that employees of the affected businesses could lose their jobs if the closures continue.
Others said the situation presents an opportunity for local entrepreneurs to establish businesses and strengthen the local economy.