EMALAHLENI – Thousands of residents marched to the eMalahleni Municipal Offices on Tuesday, 30 June 2026, demanding stricter action against undocumented immigrants, with government pledging stronger enforcement of the Immigration Act and a formal response to their memorandum.
Nkangala District Mayor Thomas Ngwenya received the memorandum on behalf of Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu and said government shared the marchers' concerns.
"Thank you for turning out in your numbers to raise your concerns. We share your concerns, particularly the high unemployment rate in our communities," Ngwenya said.
"We are also concerned that the influx of undocumented immigrants is placing pressure on government services," he added.
Ngwenya said government would strengthen enforcement of existing legislation.
"By working together, we will overcome the challenges we face. We will ensure that all laws are tightened," he said.
"Our law enforcement agencies must ensure that all laws governing the country, including the Immigration Act, are adhered to and implemented. We will ensure that all undocumented immigrants are deported in line with the law."
He said the memorandum would be considered within the organisers' deadline.
"We will take this memorandum, study it carefully and respond within the specified time frame," Ngwenya said.
March and March organiser Njabulo Mbhele said the protest was driven by frustration over unemployment, safety and service delivery across Nkangala.
"We called this march because residents are struggling under mounting pressure," Mbhele said.
"Unemployment is high, basic services are stretched, and people are increasingly concerned about crime and individuals residing here without valid documentation. We needed a collective voice to be heard."
Mbhele said the movement wants government to commit to clear, time-bound interventions.
"Our expectation is that the government must apply the law consistently and decisively, beginning with the Immigration Act," he said.
"We want undocumented persons removed according to legal processes and stricter requirements for documentation. The government should also partner with us, law enforcement and NGOs to educate the public on these risks and improve joint efforts to address trafficking and exploitation."
The movement expects a formal government response by 10 July 2026.
The memorandum raises concerns about unemployment, crime, service delivery and immigration enforcement, citing the Constitution and the Immigration Act.
Among its demands, the movement called for the swift removal of undocumented individuals in line with South African and international law. It also urged government to review and strengthen immigration policy to ensure all residents are properly documented. In addition, the group called for investigations and decisive action against fraudulent documents and identity theft.
The memorandum further called for public awareness campaigns and stronger cooperation between law enforcement, local government and NGOs to combat drug-related crime, human trafficking and exploitation.
Also present were Mpumalanga Provincial Police Commissioner Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, eMalahleni Mayor Vusi Nhlapho, Speaker Millicent Shabangu and several councillors.
Police maintained a heavy presence throughout the march route, and no incidents of violence or looting were reported.
