JOHANNESBURG — Protesters in Johannesburg have urged Somali and Ethiopian-owned businesses to employ more South African citizens, as demonstrations over unemployment and undocumented migration intensified in parts of Lenasia South.
The demonstrators submitted a memorandum to local police, calling for stricter enforcement of immigration and labour regulations, as well as increased hiring of South African nationals within foreign-owned informal businesses operating in the area.
One of the key demands stated that “all shops owned by Somalis and Ethiopians must hire South Africans,” with protesters arguing that foreign-owned businesses should comply fully with South African labour laws and provide job opportunities to local residents.
The memorandum was received by Lenasia South police station commander Colonel Xaba, who assured the protesters that their concerns would be addressed. She said authorities would take action against undocumented migrants while allowing legally registered businesses to continue operating.
Police also acknowledged the demand regarding employment practices, noting that it had been formally recorded as part of the community petition submitted during the demonstration.
The protests highlight ongoing social and economic tensions in parts of South Africa, where high unemployment rates and competition in the informal retail sector have contributed to periodic unrest targeting foreign-owned small businesses, including those operated by Somali and Ethiopian traders.
Somali and Ethiopian entrepreneurs have operated thousands of spaza shops and small retail outlets across South African townships for years, often becoming an important part of local supply chains, particularly in underserved communities.
While the demonstrations focused on labour and immigration enforcement, authorities said the protests did not call for the closure of legally registered businesses.
At the time of publication, representatives of Somali and Ethiopian business communities had not issued a public response to the latest demands.
Further dialogue between community leaders, business owners, and authorities is expected as tensions over employment and migration continue in the area.
