By Rorisang Rampheteng (Free State World Correspondent)
Hundreds of Mangaung residents took to the streets of Bloemfontein on Tuesday, heading to the Office of the Free State Premier to demand tougher action against illegal immigration and urgent solutions to the province’s unemployment crisis.
Carrying placards and chanting slogans, the protesters handed over a memorandum calling on the government to strengthen the enforcement of immigration laws, improve border control, and implement measures aimed at creating jobs for local communities, particularly young people.
Receiving the memorandum, MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae said the provincial government has been working with law enforcement agencies since 2023 to address the issue of undocumented immigrants.
“We have been working on this matter since 2023 together with law enforcement agencies,” Mathae said.
She also urged South African women not to enter marriages that, she said, are used by foreign nationals to obtain land or legal status.
“We must educate our women to stop getting married to foreign nationals because that is one of the ways our land is being sold,” Mathae said.
Mathae said addressing illegal immigration requires cooperation between communities and government, adding that residents should continue reporting unlawful activities while authorities carry out their responsibilities.
While illegal immigration was at the centre of the demonstration, protesters said unemployment remains one of the Free State’s biggest challenges.
They called on the provincial government to prioritise economic growth, support local businesses and create sustainable employment opportunities for young people.
The memorandum was formally received at the Premier’s Office, with organisers saying they expect the government to respond to the concerns raised and take meaningful action on both illegal immigration and unemployment.
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