According to Victor Rambo Mkhize, chairperson of Umkhonto we Sizwe Military Veterans’ Association, Zone 13, Alexandrians shouldn’t be surprised if one day a non-South African citizen becomes their councillor.
The township attracts migrants from other provinces and countries due to the close proximity to job opportunities and transport routes. This makes it a phuthaditjabe spot (congregation) which attracts overcrowding and often a violation of housing bylaws when people wanting to settle and start ventures opt to construct makeshift shelters to get going quickly,” Mkhize said.
He said non-citizens are quick to take advantage of the area’s business opportunities to set up small trading businesses, chisa nyamas, taverns, hair salons, and electric, construction, plumbing and vehicle repair businesses.
“This happens under the eyes of locals who are oblivious to the opportunities because they are lazy, disinterested in hard work and lack the resilience required in setting up businesses. They only believe in instant richness, which is impossible to achieve.”
He said former President Thabo Mbeki advised Alex residents about the principle of vuka uzenzele (self-reliance) to encourage them to take advantage of these same opportunities, but they didn’t heed the call, hence others from elsewhere take advantage of them.
Mkhize said some Alexandrians preferred to build shacks and extend houses for rent to non-citizens who readily paid the cheap rents. “Others opt to sell their RDP houses but squander the money hoping to get other RPD houses, which has become difficult as the government is aware of the scheme.”
He said non-citizens strengthened their hold on the economy and expanded their businesses by employing locals, and their strong work ethic was envied. “This improves their clout and creates opportunities for them to run for political office. All this happens while citizens… [demand] free services and are preoccupied with roaming the streets and alcohol consumption.”
He urged residents not to be selective when looking for work as other better work opportunities were acquired through work-related networks. Also, any work gave one experience and the skills required by prospective employers as well as providing financial security for one’s family’s needs. Mkhize encouraged residents to attend counsellors’ meetings for exposure to work and business opportunities.
