KNYSNA NEWS - A group of disgruntled residents from various informal settlements in the greater Knysna staged a peaceful march on Monday 3 August outside the Knysna municipal offices, voicing concerns over what they allege is an influx of undocumented foreign nationals into the town.
The protesters handed a memorandum to Knysna Mayor Thando Matika in the presence of the Knysna Police station commander, Colonel Nicholas Warnick, outlining their concerns and calling for action from government and law enforcement authorities.
Memorandum points
According to community leader Lungiswa Mabondle, residents have observed an increase in undocumented foreign nationals since 30 June. She claimed that despite raising the matter with various stakeholders, including the Department of Home Affairs, the municipality and the South African Police Service (SAPS), the community believes insufficient action has been taken.
The memorandum alleges that undocumented foreign nationals who are apprehended are later released and return to the community. Protesters further claimed that immigration laws are not being enforced effectively and called for stronger action by the relevant authorities.
Among the demands contained in the memorandum are stricter law enforcement against undocumented foreign nationals, fines for landlords who accommodate undocumented tenants, and an investigation into how business permits are issued to foreign nationals. The group argued that economic opportunities in township areas should primarily benefit South African citizens.
The marchers also alleged that vehicles transporting undocumented foreign nationals enter Knysna at night and the occupants are then accommodated in local communities. These allegations have not been independently verified. Protesters said they organised the march to raise their concerns through lawful and peaceful means and stressed that they did not want frustrated residents to take matters into their own hands.
National Prosecuting Authority
The group also invited the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to receive the memorandum, saying they are dissatisfied with what they perceive as shortcomings in the justice system. They alleged that some foreign nationals who appear in court are released and that, in their view, insufficient follow-up is conducted regarding their immigration status. The NPA was not represented at the memorandum handover.
Immigrants not under municipal jurisdiction
Responding to the marchers, Matika acknowledged receipt of the memorandum and said the municipality would provide a formal response within 14 days. He reiterated that Knysna Municipality has no authority to regulate South Africa's borders or monitor people entering and leaving the town, as immigration enforcement falls under the mandate of national authorities.
Matika further said he could not respond on behalf of the NPA or explain its absence, as it is an independent institution responsible for its own decisions and communication. Warnick also acknowledged receipt of the memorandum and said SAPS would, within its mandate, provide the community with a response within 14 days.
At the time of publication, the allegations contained in the memorandum had not been independently verified. Immigration enforcement is the responsibility of the Department of Home Affairs, while criminal investigations are conducted by SAPS.
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
