Mamelodi residents demand denial of asylum for Nigerians, Zimbabweans
Updated | By Olivia Phalaetsile
Residents in Mamelodi are planning a march to the Department of Home Affairs to request that foreign nationals be denied asylum status.
![Tshwane unrest Mamelodi](https://turntable.kagiso.io/images/WhatsApp-Image-20160621_4.width-800.jpg)
Makgoka Lekganyane, who is part of the organising team, says unemployment in South Africa is already high but the government continues to allow foreign nationals into the country.
"The Sustainable Livelihoods Foundation did a study in townships in South Africa and found that 60% of the people in townships are unemployed. Yet we have tuckshops owned by foreign nationals in our townships that do not pay tax," he says.
Lekganyane says the South African government is turning locals into slaves by allowing foreign nationals to do business in townships.
"In Ethiopia, South Africans cannot set up a banks and shops. They have rules to protect their own industries until they grow," he says.
ALSO READ: African Diaspora Forum says SA government does not care about migrants
Reports of the march have reportedly sparked fears of xenophobic attacks in the area.
Lekganyane says they are against xenophobia, but their grievances need to be addressed.
"When unemployment is so high in South Africa, giving foreign nationals asylum opens South Africa up to crime. Already Nigerians kidnap young women in the country," he says.
Lekganyane says the march has been approved by the City of Tshwane.
Show's Stories
-
LISTEN: How much of the 2000s do you remember?
It's time to hop in our time machine as we travel to the days of dialup ...
The Drive with Rob & Roz 1 day, 2 hours ago -
Father of the year simulates rollercoaster ride
Kids don't need expensive toys or fancy experiences, they just need time...
The Workzone with Alex Jay 1 day, 2 hours ago