Protesters in Germiston targeted local businesses on Wednesday to demand verification of undocumented migrant employment, prompting police to disperse the unauthorized gathering. According to City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson Phakamile Mbengashe, the demonstrators were harassing various firms and presented a memorandum identical to one used during a protest on June 30.
Residents argued that their previous attempts to address these concerns with local police have been ignored. They claim they remain unemployed because local firms are hiring undocumented migrants instead of residents.
“We are not here to fight with undocumented migrants. We just all need to work. Why are the police threatening to shoot us when we just want jobs?” a resident told eNCA.
Why are residents protesting in Germiston?
The demonstrations are driven by allegations that undocumented migrants are taking jobs from local residents. A resident informed eNCA that the Wednesday gathering served as a follow-up to a meeting held with several firm owners three weeks ago.
Protesters claim they have previously submitted memorandums to the local police station to highlight their plight. However, they allege these submissions have fallen on deaf ears, leading to the recent direct action against businesses.
How is the City of Ekurhuleni responding to the unrest?
Phakamile Mbengashe stated that while the City agrees illegal immigration is wrong, protesters cannot take the law into their own hands. He noted that the Department of Home Affairs is the specific authority responsible for verifying the legal status of individuals.
The City has expressed concern over the potential for lawlessness and the harassment of local businesses. Mbengashe emphasized that the City cannot allow situations that disturb production and manufacturing while the economy attempts to recover.
What could happen next regarding business compliance?
The City of Ekurhuleni is currently in the process of verifying whether local businesses are operating within the law. This verification process may determine the extent of compliance regarding migrant employment in the area.
Continued unrest could lead to further friction between residents and local authorities. However, officials have indicated that maintaining stability in the manufacturing sector is a priority to support economic growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why were the protesters dispersed by the police?
Police were called to disperse the crowd because the demonstrators had no permission to gather at the site. - Who is responsible for verifying if migrants are in the country illegally?
According to City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson Phakamile Mbengashe, the Department of Home Affairs is the authority that handles such verifications. - What is the City of Ekurhuleni doing about business compliance?
The City is currently verifying whether local businesses are compliant and operating within the confines of the law.
Should local residents have a direct role in verifying the legal status of workers in their community?
