Hundreds of residents from Alexandra, Orange Grove and surrounding areas, under the banner of the March and March Movement, have given businesses in the area seven days to dismiss foreign nationals employed in what they describe as non-critical skills positions. The group says employers must comply with South African labour laws.
The crowd marched to Norwood Mall and also to businesses in the area.
Thabo Ngwane alleged that some businesses are violating labour laws by employing undocumented foreign nationals while overlooking local job seekers.
“South Africa is a lawless country. That’s why they do as they like, but now we are teaching them. We will make sure they follow these rules and hire South Africans. We came here because we follow these laws,” he said.
Ngwane urged businesses to comply with employment regulations and to ensure they adhere to the law when recruiting staff.
“The law allows the Department of Home Affairs to ask for identification and verify the status of every employee your business has hired,” he said.
The movement has given businesses seven days to comply with its demands, warning that it will return to monitor compliance.
They concluded their march at Norwood Police Station.
