More than 100 local scooter delivery operators joined a protest in Pinetown on Thursday, calling for greater employment opportunities and alleging that businesses are favouring undocumented foreign nationals for delivery jobs.
The demonstration forms part of the March and March movement's weekly Thursday protests, launched following nationwide anti-illegal immigration demonstrations on 30 June.
The civic organisation has vowed to continue holding weekly protests until government takes stronger action against illegal immigration and addresses concerns over employment opportunities for South Africans.
Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the University of KwaZulu-Natal's Edgewood campus before marching towards the Pinetown central business district.
Thursday's protest focused on claims that some businesses are employing undocumented foreign nationals as a source of cheaper labour, particularly in the grocery delivery sector.
Unemployed scooter drivers joined the march, saying they have struggled to secure work despite repeatedly applying for delivery positions.
March and March representative Lindani Xulu said local delivery riders had encouraged unemployed South Africans to apply for available jobs but claimed that many employers continued to favour foreign nationals.
"What these bikers did was call on unemployed workers they knew to come forward and apply for jobs, but it seems foreign nationals are being favoured. That is why March and March decided to take up this matter," Xulu said.
Police and private security personnel monitored the demonstration as marchers made their way through Pinetown.
The protest remained under close observation by law enforcement officials to ensure public safety and maintain order.