LIMPOPO – Hundreds of residents brought parts of Thohoyandou to a standstill on Wednesday, July 8, when they joined the Vhembe Business Chamber in a peaceful march against the sale of expired food, illegal immigration and alleged labour law violations.

The march, held under the banner “March and March for No Expired Foods, Illegal Foreigners and Labour Law Violation”, started at the Thohoyandou Bus Rank.

Participants, many carrying placards reading “Go Back Home” and “We Say No to Illegal Immigrants”, sang freedom songs as they marched via the Thohoyandou Post Office to the Thohoyandou Police Station before proceeding to the Thulamela Municipality offices.

30-day ultimatum for response

There, they handed a detailed memorandum to Thulamela Mayor Athongozwidivha Rambuda.

Vhembe Business Chamber chairperson Nthumeni Mamafha said the memorandum was submitted on behalf of residents, traders and civic organisations in Thohoyandou and the wider Thulamela area.

“We request a written response within 30 days, in line with the municipality’s duty of responsiveness under Section 152 of the Constitution and the Batho Pele principles,” said Mamafha.

Demolitions under scrutiny

He claimed that some structures had been demolished by, or on the instruction of, municipal officials without court orders or confirmed alternative accommodation for affected families.

The memorandum calls for:

• An immediate moratorium on further demolitions pending lawful processes
• A full report on demolitions carried out over the past 24 months
• Confirmation of alternative accommodation for affected households

Concerns over unlicensed businesses

Mamafha also raised concerns about businesses operating without valid trading licences, health certificates, fire compliance or tax registration, saying this placed compliant businesses at a disadvantage.

The chamber further called on the municipality to formally request the Department of Home Affairs to conduct lawful documentation verification operations in identified business and residential areas.

It also raised concerns over unregulated street trading around the bus rank and central business district, saying many traders were operating without permits required under the Businesses Act and municipal by-laws, creating congestion, safety risks and unfair competition.

We see graduates driving taxis

Youth representative Rendani Radzuma said many young people were struggling to find employment despite having qualifications.

“We see graduates driving taxis, not because it is beneath them, but because there is nothing else. We see businesses started with hope being delayed by red tape and licensing processes. We see homes threatened with demolition, food being sold without proper inspections, and workers employed without contracts, protection or dignity,” he said.

Mayor accepts memorandum

The mayor accepted the memorandum and commended the organisers and participants for conducting a peaceful march.

She acknowledged the request for a response within 30 days, but said some of the issues would be addressed sooner.