Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality Mayor Mduduzi Myeza says he still stands firm on his call for illegal foreign nationals to leave Estcourt, saying they are blocking employment opportunities for local residents.

Mayor reacts after Pietermaritzburg High Court ruling

Speaking to the media this morning (Thursday, May 28) at the Estcourt Town Hall, Myeza said local businesses and shops have informed the municipality that illegal foreign nationals are no longer working there, which he believes will create more job opportunities for the people of Estcourt.

The mayor was commenting publicly for the first time following the outcome of the Pietermaritzburg High Court matter heard on Wednesday.

The court ordered Myeza to remove all Facebook posts relating to foreign nationals within 48 hours. He is expected to return to court on August 20 to present his side in the case brought by Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia and local foreign nationals who were affected by the 21-day deadline to leave Estcourt. The deadline expired on the 27th.

Those still in the area also urged to leave

“We witnessed that some have already left with the assistance of some NGOs and we appreciate that. We urge those who are still resisting and hiding to also leave. We are not fighting, we are only pleading with them to leave,” said the mayor.

However, the mayor declined to comment extensively on the court ruling, saying the matter is still sub judice.

Social Employment Fund Initiative to benefit 100 people

Myeza was also speaking ahead of the mayoral launch of the Social Employment Fund Initiative, where 100 people are expected to benefit. This initiative is being carried out in conjunction with MEC for Economic Development, Tourism & Environmental Affairs Rev Musa Zondi.

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