POLOKWANE, Limpopo — Advocacy organizations in Polokwane, Limpopo, have intensified calls for stricter immigration enforcement, delivering a formal memorandum of concerns to the Premier’s Office following a protest march focused on undocumented immigration.
Members of the local movement ‘E-Chaile’ (I tshaile), joined by supporters of ActionSA, marched to voice grievances over what they describe as an uncontrolled influx of undocumented immigrants. The groups contend that current government strategies lack sufficient rigor and fail to address economic pressures faced by local communities.
Mogau wa Modimo, coordinator for E-Chaile, stated that the movement is collaborating with allied organizations to address illegal immigration. “We are here to tell the premier’s office that we are asking them to help us with the flooding of illegal immigrants in our country,” wa Modimo said. He added that the group is concerned about the significant presence of undocumented individuals in urban centers, asserting that they have “taken over the microscale economy” in central business districts.
ActionSA representatives echoed these concerns, criticizing President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent address on immigration as insufficient. Dr. Mike Ramothwala, an ActionSA member, argued that the presidential address lacked decisive action. “There was no concrete plan as to how we’re going to deal with illegal immigration in our country,” Ramothwala said. He highlighted anxieties over job competition in sectors such as manufacturing and hospitality, and noted that many small businesses in townships—including salons and spaza shops—are reportedly owned and operated by foreign nationals.
Among the protesters’ key demands is the immediate deportation of all undocumented immigrants within the province. The organizations have stipulated a 14-day timeframe for an official response to their memorandum.
Rudzani Murovhi, acting deputy director in the Premier’s Office, formally accepted the submission and confirmed that the office would provide a response within the stipulated two-week period.
