Hundreds of residents from Atteridgeville and surrounding communities took to the streets on Thursday, 9 July 2026, as part of the ongoing “March on March” campaign, demanding employment opportunities for South Africans and stronger action against businesses they allege are employing undocumented foreign nationals.
The march, organised by the civic movement Concerned Tshwane Residents (CTR) under the banner Operation Khipha Faka, started at Maunde Park before proceeding to Pheli Indaba in Pretoria West Industrial. Community members carried placards, chanted slogans and called on government to address unemployment, immigration enforcement and what they described as a lack of accountability from political leaders.
According to the organisers, the demonstration forms part of a series of weekly protests aimed at putting pressure on government to respond to concerns raised by residents. Protesters argued that South Africans continue to struggle to find employment while some companies allegedly prioritise undocumented foreign nationals for jobs.
Addressing the crowd,Commander Mandla Mnisi said the organisation believes employment opportunities should first be made available to South African citizens.
“South Africans do not have work. We cannot allow a situation where our people continue to lose jobs while they believe employers are hiring illegal foreigners. Companies operating in South Africa should prioritise South Africans,” Mnisi said.
The movement also accused some businesses of exploiting workers by paying low wages and failing to provide acceptable working conditions.
In a statement, CTR said foreign-owned businesses were allegedly undercutting local businesses while some employers were exploiting vulnerable workers.
“All companies, firms and businesses operating within South Africa should hire South Africans first. We do not want our people to be exploited, paid slave wages or forced to work in dangerous working conditions,” the organisation said.
Residents who participated in the march echoed similar concerns, saying they hoped government would respond to their demands.
Sipho Mahlangu a resident in Atteridgeville said the continued demonstrations were intended to show authorities that communities were serious about finding solutions to unemployment.
“We hope these marches will show the government that communities are serious and that they will finally listen to us and take our concerns seriously,” he said.
He also said the weekly protests would continue until government acted.
“We are not going to stop protesting. There is still so much that needs to be fixed in our communities, and we feel government is not willing to fix these issues for us,” he said.
Leroy Chauke said that the protest was not motivated by hatred towards foreign nationals.
“We do not have anything against foreigners. We simply want our jobs, and we want our government to take us seriously. We want them to address the issues we are raising and show that they care,” he said.
Police officers were deployed throughout the march to monitor the demonstration and ensure that protesters exercised their constitutional right to protest peacefully and within the law. The march concluded without any reported incidents of violence or arrests.
The protest follows several demonstrations organised by Concerned Tshwane Residents in recent weeks, with the organisation maintaining that it will continue mobilising communities until government addresses unemployment and immigration-related concerns.
The City of Tshwane has acknowledged concerns raised by the movement and has appealed to residents to report businesses suspected of operating unlawfully or employing undocumented foreign nationals. According to the city, a task team has been established to work with law enforcement agencies to investigate alleged illegal business activities and encourage residents to report suspected violations through the appropriate legal channels.
The weekly marches are expected to continue as residents maintain pressure on government to respond to their demands.