The Mayor of Inkosi Langalibalele Municipality, Mduduzi Myeza, together with municipal councillors, held a meeting on Tuesday (May 5) with foreign national shop owners operating in Estcourt. The engagement comes after a protest march that took place on April 24 in Estcourt, where community members raised concerns about businesses allegedly operating without proper documentation, as well as foreign nationals who are in the country without legal documentation.

Businesses temporarily closed during March
On the day of the protest, many foreign-owned shops in town were found closed. In response, Mayor Myeza instructed that these businesses remain closed until their owners could meet with municipal leadership to explain their decision and clarify their compliance status. Foreign shop owners responded that they shut their businesses during the April protest due to safety concerns.

21-day deadline
During the meeting at the municipal council chamber, the business owners were given 21 days to regularize their affairs, including ensuring that all necessary documentation is in order. The municipality stated that, after this period, appropriate action would be taken in accordance with the law, in collaboration with relevant government authorities.

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