Tensions were raised amongst South Africans as the build up to Tuesday (June 30) approached, being the protest day march, with calls being made by various organisations, led mainly by the March and March movement, for all illegal foreigners living in South Africa to leave the country.
The day, according to police, was relatively peaceful, with small pockets of violence reported, in parts of the country. In the Laudium/Erasmia area, there were no protest marches, despite fear once more being instilled by ANC Cllr Patel, of protests being expected. However, due to the rumours of an imminent protest march and attack on illegal
foreigners, most businesses were closed on Tuesday morning, with some then opening in the afternoon, after realising that there was no march taking place. Even the nearby Itireleng was relatively quiet on Tuesday. Many residents were disappointed that local businesses were closed, as they could not buy their basic needs such as bread and milk.
The Laudium Sun took to the streets in the Laudium area on Tuesday…
Shabeer Noor Mohammed of Emerald Street, Laudium, told the Laudium Sun, “I cannot even buy a loaf of bread because all the shops are closed. This is a very bad situation that we are facing in our country right now. Everything has come to a standstill and ordinary people like us are the ones who are suffering the most. I cannot go anywhere and it does not feel safe in any part of Laudium at the moment. This is not how things are supposed to be. We are all human beings and we are supposed to live together in peace and respect one another. There are laws and regulations in place for a reason and we should all abide by them instead of creating fear and chaos in our communities. What is happening now is very concerning, especially for families, elderly people and children who depend on daily access to basic needs. People should not resort to violence under any circumstances. Protesting is a right, but it must be done peacefully and responsibly. There is no need to damage property, close down businesses, or threaten the safety of others. When businesses are forced to shut their doors, it is not only the owners who lose income, but also the workers and the community who rely on those services. At the end of the day, it is us, the citizens of this country, who are suffering. We are unable to buy food, go to work, or move around freely. This kind of disruption affects everyone and creates unnecessary fear among residents. It is not right at all and something needs to be done to restore order and safety. I truly hope that calm can return soon and that people will think about the consequences of their actions. We all want to live in a safe environment where we can provide for our families and go about our daily lives without fear. What is happening now is simply not acceptable and it needs to stop.”
Ali Shaan, a cellphone shop owner from the Laudium CBD, told the Laudium Sun, “I decided not to open my shop today, after hearing about a planned protest march that would be taking place in Laudium. Many traders within the Laudium CBD reached the same conclusion, resulting in a complete shutdown across the business district. As someone who operates a cellphone outlet, this was not an easy choice, but safety had to come first under these uncertain circumstances. There was widespread concern among shopkeepers regarding possible looting, damage to property, or any form of unrest that could arise during the demonstrations. With such risks in mind, remaining closed felt like the only responsible decision to make. The environment today did not seem stable enough to continue normal operations and no one wanted to put themselves, their staff, or their investments in danger. Situations like this create significant challenges for entrepreneurs who depend on daily trade to sustain their livelihoods. Losing even one day of income can have a serious impact, especially for small enterprises. However, protecting lives and avoiding potential harm becomes a greater priority during times of uncertainty. What is happening is deeply worrying for the entire community. While people have the right to express their concerns, it is important that actions remain peaceful and do not disrupt others trying to earn a living. Destruction, intimidation, or forced closures only make conditions worse for everyone involved. I truly hope that calm will return soon, so that we can re-open our businesses and continue serving our customers. Business owners want nothing more than stability, security and the opportunity to trade without fear. Until then, many of us will remain cautious and prioritise safety above everything else.”
Nabeel Hussian, a cellphone business owner from 13th Avenue, Laudium, told the Laudium Sun, “Today I kept my premises shut after receiving information about planned demonstrations within the area. Many merchants around the business centre made similar decisions, leading to a quiet and inactive environment throughout the district. As someone who depends on daily sales, closing operations was difficult, yet personal safety remained the main concern. Uncertainty regarding possible unrest, property damage, or unlawful activities created fear among entrepreneurs. Under such tense circumstances, continuing trade did not feel secure. Protecting employees, stock, and infrastructure became more important than opening doors for customers. Events like these place heavy pressure on small enterprises. Every missed trading opportunity affects income, making survival harder for independent operators. Despite financial strain, avoiding risk seemed the wiser option considering the situation. Public gatherings should remain peaceful and respectful. Disruptions that affect livelihoods only harm communities further. Stability, order and co operation are essential for progress and unity among residents. I sincerely hope that normal conditions return quickly so that businesses can resume services in a safe environment. Everyone deserves an opportunity to work freely without fear, ensuring growth, security and a better future for all within our surroundings.”
The Laudium Sun covered the protest march in the Pretoria CBD where thousands of protestors marched from Church Square to the streets of Sunnyside.