POLOKWANE – The Polokwane Municipality has confirmed that it has not received any applications or requests to stage protest marches in the city’s central business district (CBD) on Tuesday.

No CBD protest applications received

The confirmation comes as groups in various parts of South Africa have indicated their intention to participate in peaceful demonstrations at government institutions over concerns relating to undocumented foreign nationals and their alleged impact on communities.

Several demonstrations elsewhere in the country are being organised under the March and March Movement, while the E Chaile Movement has already staged two marches in Polokwane in recent months.

Municipal spokesperson Thipa Selala said the only approved demonstration is one by the Dikgale, Mankweng, Mothapo and Molepo (Dimamo) Community Forum, which has been rescheduled to June 30.

Only one approved demonstration confirmed

The forum has received municipal approval to hold a peaceful demonstration in its local communities.

The group intends working alongside the police and officials from the Department of Home Affairs to verify whether foreign nationals renting properties and operating businesses in the area are doing so within the confines of the law.

“Other than this march, which we expect will be confined to that side of town, there are no approved demonstrations,” Selala said.

He added that the municipality remains on standby together with the police in the event of any unplanned or spontaneous protests.

Municipality and police on standby

“People have the constitutional right to demonstrate, whether or not approval has been granted by the municipality.

“Police have assured us that should any demonstrations emerge unexpectedly, they will be able to handle the situation,” he said.

Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the police are fully resourced and prepared to police all planned demonstrations across the province, while assuring residents that there would be no disruption to normal activities.

“There will be no shutdown of the province. Essential services, critical infrastructure, businesses and economic activity will be protected, and the police will ensure that public order is maintained.

Police assure readiness across Limpopo

“The constitutional right to peaceful and lawful protest will be protected and respected. Any acts of violence, intimidation, public disorder, looting, malicious damage to property, road blockades, attacks on businesses, or interference with critical infrastructure will be dealt with decisively,” Ledwaba said.