Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality has issued a stern warning to landlords and property owners to refrain from leasing business premises to: (1) undocumented foreign nationals; and (2) individuals who are operating unlawful businesses. This comes after the mayor issued a warning last week that undocumented foreign nationals will be dealt with after the Easter weekend.

Municipality raises alarm over illegal business operations

In a notice dated April 7, 2026, the municipality stated that it has observed, with serious concern, an increasing number of business premises within the Estcourt CBD being leased or sub-leased to individuals operating businesses unlawfully. In some instances, these individuals are suspected to be foreign nationals without the required legal documentation to conduct business within the Republic of South Africa.

Concerns over safety, fair competition and economic order

The municipality emphasised that such practices undermine regulatory compliance; create unfair competition; and pose potential risks related to public health, safety and the orderly economic development of the CBD.

Click to receive news links via WhatsApp. Or for the latest news, visit our webpage or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Join us there!