Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, H.E. Benjamin Quashie, says he plans to go to court to challenge the 21-day deadline issued by Estcourt Mayor Mduduzi Myeza to foreign shop owners who may be in the country illegally. Speaking to Ghanaian television station Joy News, Quashie said the mayor does not have the legal authority to order the closure of shops. “We are going to fight this legally. There’s no law in South Africa that gives the mayor that right to say whatever he says, so we are going to fight. We are going to court, not only us, but with other countries that are involved,” said Quashie.

Municipality gives 21-day deadline

During a meeting at the Inkosi Langalibalele Municipality council chamber on Tuesday (May 5), Mayor Mduduzi Myeza directed foreign shop owners in Estcourt who may be in the country illegally to regularize their affairs within 21 days. This includes ensuring that all required documents and permits are in order. The municipality stated that after the deadline, action would be taken in line with the law and in cooperation with relevant government authorities. The mayor also wrote on his Facebook account that he emphasized that everyone trading within municipal boundaries must follow the rules and laws. Quashie alleged that the mayor’s actions go beyond inspections, claiming that some shops have already been closed and keys handed over to local employees. Less than two weeks remain until the 21-day deadline.

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