WATCH | March and March supporters target foreign-owned businesses in PMB
March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma announced during the anti-illegal-immigration march on June 30 that the organisation would continue holding demonstrations every Thursday, saying the movement would maintain pressure on the government until decisive action is taken against undocumented migrants.
The March and March movement in Pietermaritzburg continued targeting of businesses allegedly operated by undocumented foreign nationals in the lower Pietermaritz Street area on Wednesday, resulting in the closure of several outlets.
The organisation said some of the businesses searched — in the police’s presence — were found to have untidy kitchens and poor hygiene standards, which it claimed posed a potential health risk to customers.
ALSO READ | March and March intensifies inspections of foreign-owned businesses
March and March uMgungundlovu leader, Mxolisi Nxumalo, said the searches formed part of the organisation’s ongoing campaign to ensure compliance with health, immigration and business regulations.
He said this was only the beginning.
“We will continue with this programme until the government addresses the challenges we have raised regarding illegal immigration and compliance by businesses operating in our communities,” Nxumalo said.
The movement has maintained that it intends to keep conducting searches and engaging relevant authorities as part of its campaign, which has gained momentum across parts of KwaZulu-Natal in recent weeks.
Last week, The Witness reported on the Ashdown Business Forum’s campaign, in which local business owners went from shop to shop calling for businesses allegedly operated by undocumented foreign nationals to close.
ALSO READ | March and March members gather in Pietermaritzburg ahead of Durban protest
March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma announced during the anti-illegal-immigration march on June 30 that the organisation would continue holding demonstrations every Thursday, saying the movement would maintain pressure on the government until decisive action is taken against undocumented migrants.
The nationwide campaign culminated in large demonstrations in Durban, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town and other cities, with thousands participating under heavy police and military security.
While many marches remained peaceful, authorities warned that criminality, intimidation and violence would not be tolerated, and hundreds of arrests were made for offences including immigration violations, looting and public violence.
The government has repeatedly urged communities not to take the law into their own hands, stressing that immigration enforcement remains the responsibility of law enforcement agencies, while also warning against xenophobic attacks and vigilantism.
Meanwhile, uMgungundlovu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Sifiso Gwala, told The Witness that at least 10 foreign nationals were arrested during the operation.
ALSO READ | March and March defies eThekwini ban, vows to proceed with June 30 protest
He said the protest remained peaceful, with no incidents of violence reported.