Scores of Tembisa residents joined the protest led by local activist Xolani Khumalo, in collaboration with the Tembisa Community Forum.
As calls for illegal immigrants to leave South Africa remain defiant ahead of the June 30 deadline on Wednesday, residents from Tembisa gathered to voice their concerns over what they believe are the rising levels of crime and the negative impact of illegal immigration on their community.
The march, spearheaded by activist Xolani Khumalo and the Tembisa Community Forum, began at Birch Acres Mall and concluded at the Tembisa police station.
The crowd was joined by local and visiting civic organisation leaders such as Nkosikhona "Phakelumthakathi" Ndabandaba, Ngizwe Mchunu, and Zandile Dabula, who rallied around a single message: that the country's challenges with crime and other social issues are linked to the alleged presence of undocumented immigrants.
"I think the issue of illegal immigration has gone on for a long time. It is time that we, as South Africans, gather together and ensure that those who are illegally here leave us to resolve our own issues. Once they leave, they can come back as visitors," said Sibongile Njilo, a resident who joined the marchers towards the Tembisa police station.
