The streets of Thohoyandou were brought to a virtual standstill on Tuesday, 30 June, as hundreds of residents joined the Keep Vhembe Clean Campaign in a peaceful march demanding tougher action against crime, illegal immigration and labour law violations.
The march, which formed part of the broader nationwide "March and March" campaign, was one of several coordinated demonstrations held across Vhembe on the same day by different community organisations.
Marchers, many carrying placards with anti-illegal immigration messages and singing freedom songs, gathered at Thavhani Mall before proceeding to the Department of Employment and Labour offices, Thulamela Local Municipality and the Thohoyandou Police Station, where memorandums were handed over.
Business activity in the central business district was noticeably subdued, with many shops closed and traders watching the procession pass under police supervision.
Speaking on behalf of the Keep Vhembe Clean Campaign, spokesperson Rita Dee Nephawe said the march was aimed at enforcing South African laws and improving public safety.
“Our campaign is about restoring the rule of law ... This is not about targeting any nationality but about ensuring that everyone who lives and conducts business in South Africa complies with the country’s laws,” she said.
Among the campaign's demands are intensified operations against undocumented foreign nationals living in or operating businesses unlawfully, increased visible policing in crime hotspots, stronger investigations into organised crime syndicates, regular multi-agency compliance inspections, and the establishment of a Joint Enforcement Committee.
Thulamela Local Municipality Mayor Sarah Rambuda welcomed the peaceful protest, saying the municipality would consider the concerns raised. Thohoyandou Police Station Commander Brigadier Simon Mukwevho also received the memorandum, assuring residents that SAPS would respond within the stipulated timeframe.
Elsewhere in Vhembe, more than 100 residents from Elim, Mulima and Hlanganani marched to the Home Affairs office in Elim and the COGTA office in Bungeni, alleging corruption that enabled undocumented foreign nationals to obtain fraudulent permits and operate businesses.
Community representative Nhlamulo Ndima said residents wanted an investigation into officials allegedly issuing fraudulent documents, while concerns were also raised about traditional leaders allegedly allocating residential stands and business sites unlawfully.
“We are tired of illegal immigrants who are shop owners,” said community member Dakalo Mashau.
The memorandum was received by a Home Affairs official, with the department given seven working days to respond.
Meanwhile, residents from Sinthumule and Kutama, under the Zwililo zwa Vhadzulapo organisation, also joined the nationwide demonstrations, marching to the Tshilwavhusiku Magistrate’s Court. They called for stricter enforcement of immigration laws and for South African citizens to be prioritised.
The memorandum, received by SAPS and the National Prosecuting Authority, echoed concerns raised elsewhere in the province. Spokesperson Rudzani Lisoga said the organisation would continue monitoring businesses and farms during the week.
“We will be visiting business premises and farms to determine whether undocumented immigrants are still working or hiding there,” Lisoga said.
While some residents expressed concern about the potential impact on livelihoods and local trade, others said the situation could create opportunities for local entrepreneurs.