A large group of residents from communities across Benoni gathered at Sinaba Stadium in Daveyton today for a march under the banner “Mabahambe,” organized to highlight concerns about undocumented immigration, crime, and service delivery challenges while calling for government intervention.
Organizers Jane and Oupa, speaking to media at the event, outlined the community’s demands. Jane stated that residents want undocumented immigrants to leave South Africa temporarily so the country can address its internal challenges. “We have a lot of problems. We have a lot of crimes that are being committed. When you try to find a person, you can’t find them because they are untraceable. They don’t have documents,” Jane said. She added that foreign nationals should return to their home countries to address challenges there, specifically referencing Zimbabwe.
Oupa expanded on the concerns, citing strain on public services and documentation fraud. “We give them services for free and we also experience issues in our services… issues of water, issues of electricity is because now our country is overpopulated,” Oupa said. The organizers emphasized they are not opposed to foreign nationals returning through proper legal channels after reapplying from their home countries.
The spokespersons referenced local conditions in Daveyton’s human settlements, with Oupa claiming that in some areas, approximately 90% of residents are foreign nationals. They linked this demographic shift to rising crime, citing recent vehicle hijackings and the presence of illegal miners, known locally as “zama zamas,” whom they allege are predominantly from outside South Africa.
When questioned about how removing undocumented migrants would address underlying service delivery failures, the organizers maintained that reducing population pressure would allow South African authorities and communities to focus resources on rehabilitating local residents, including those affected by substance abuse. “The future of South Africa should come back to the people and economy as well,” Oupa stated.
The march proceeded through the streets of Daveyton as residents voiced their calls for decisive government action on immigration enforcement and community safety.
The event underscores ongoing public debate around immigration policy, service provision, and community security in South African townships. Organizers indicated the “Mabahambe” initiative aims to maintain pressure on authorities to address the concerns raised.
