Anger over unemployment fuels anti-immigration march in Alexandra

What began as a small gathering outside Nobuhle Hostel in Alexandra grew into a larger demonstration on Thursday, as protesters marched through the township to Stjwetla, calling for stricter enforcement of immigration laws and greater government intervention to address unemployment and poverty.

Carrying traditional sticks and chanting slogans, demonstrators said they wanted government action against undocumented migrants, arguing that poor border management and weak enforcement of immigration laws has placed additional pressure on jobs, public services and community resources.

Carrying of weapons of any kind is prohibited during protests, but it has been widely reported, and seen on television screens, how the attendant police allow the anti-migrant protesters to carry sticks without confiscating them. Some protesters were seen covering their faces, which is also prohibited during protests.

The protesters marched past uncollected rubbish, chanting “Abahambe”.

One of the organisers, Manqoba Ngwenya, said the demonstration followed what they viewed as government’s failure to respond to demands submitted at the end of June. “We are demonstrating because government has failed to listen to us. We are not looting or attacking anyone, but we believe South Africans have been neglected while government prioritises foreigners,” he said.

Ngwenya argued that many South Africans remain unemployed despite holding qualifications and alleged that foreign nationals occupy jobs across government departments, municipalities and the private sector. He also claimed that government spending should be redirected towards creating employment opportunities for South Africans.

A recent research report by Wits University’s Southern Centre for Inequality Studies states that foreign nationals hold fewer than 4% of South Africa’s formal jobs. By analysing South African Revenue Service (SARS) tax records, researchers found that foreign workers account for just 3.4 percent of formal employment, a figure that has remained virtually unchanged over the past decade.

Rejecting accusations of xenophobia, Ngwenya insisted that the protests were driven by economic hardship. “We are marching because we are tired, hungry and unemployed. Government is not listening to us,” he said.

Anti-immigrant protesters in Alexandra are seen carrying weapons and some covering their faces.

Alexandra resident, Jackie Mathonsi said he supported stronger enforcement of immigration laws but stressed that the protest was intended to remain peaceful. “We want people who come to South Africa to do so with proper documentation. South Africa is a constitutional country, and everyone must respect its laws,” he said.

Mathonsi argued that undocumented migrants are vulnerable to labour exploitation because they are often unable to report abusive working conditions. He said employers should also be held accountable for exploiting undocumented workers.

“If people have documents, they are better protected. They can report unfair labour practices and access the protection of the law,” he said.

He rejected the claim that migrants are responsible for South Africa’s socio-economic challenges. “I’m not saying migrants are the problem. Crime, unemployment and labour exploitation are challenges that need to be addressed. South Africans also commit crime,” he said.

Mathonsi nevertheless argued that government agencies had failed to enforce immigration laws, leaving communities frustrated and feeling compelled to raise the issue themselves.