Hundreds of residents from the Rea Aga community in Tshwane gathered in the Rosslyn industrial area on Thursday, planning a major shutdown to protest against critically high unemployment rates they attribute to the hiring of undocumented foreign nationals.
Protesters claim that over 3,000 undocumented foreign workers are employed in local factories, making it increasingly difficult for South African citizens to find work. The demonstration, which saw a significant turnout, highlighted deep-seated frustrations over job scarcity despite a major local economic development project.
The Rosslyn Hub development, a key project for the area, is projected to inject approximately R42 billion into the local economy and is expected to create a substantial number of jobs over the next 10 to 15 years. However, this future prospect offered little comfort to the crowd of unemployed South Africans who expressed a sense of immediate desperation.
A reporter on the scene noted that the grievances are not new to the area. The protest echoed a previous march by Operation Dudula, a group known for its stance against the hiring of foreign nationals, which targeted companies in the same industrial area several years ago. One specific company, Lion Match, a manufacturer of safety matches, was previously confronted by protesters for its hiring practices.
At that time, company management reportedly explained the challenge of verification, stating that some job seekers present valid South African identity documents, making it difficult to distinguish between citizens and what they termed “imposters.”
Protesters interviewed expressed a range of frustrations. One woman stated that local companies hold a perception that South Africans are “not as hardworking” as foreign nationals from neighbouring countries and elsewhere on the continent. Other attendees lamented that submitting CVs rarely leads to employment, with many claiming that securing a job is often dependent on who you know rather than your qualifications.
The sentiment quickly escalated beyond corporate criticism to direct condemnation of the government. One protester called the situation a “sobering state of affairs,” alleging, “we are being run by criminals,” and questioning what the future holds for the youth of South Africa. The emotional demonstration was described as a platform for the community to make their voices heard, with many calling for the upcoming national dialogue to address their urgent concerns.
The crowd, described as numbering in the hundreds if not thousands, stretched through the industrial area, underscoring the scale of local discontent. The planned shutdown signals a significant disruption is imminent in Rosslyn as the community demands immediate action to prioritize local employment.
