VANDERBIJLPARK – Scores of angry residents and several Vaal-based civil organisations shut down Vanderbijlpark Civic Centre on December 06.

According to protest leaders, the shutdown was sparked by a surge in food-borne illnesses and a desire to reclaim the township economy.

During the protest, two massive groups comprising Bophelong and Sharpeville residents barricaded arterial roads leading into the civic center before gathering outside the Vanderbijlpark Public Library.

Burning tires, rocks, and debris were some of the objects used during the protest to show rage toward defiant foreign nationals.

While the town was abuzz with singing and chanting, protesters went to Home Affairs and Emfuleni Local Municipality to hand over a memorandum of grievances to departmental leadership.

Addressing the media during the protest, Lobby Shabalala said “We visited two government offices the municipality offices and home affairs because these are the two corrupt departments. They are giving foreigners documents to run spaza shops whereas we got an act that protects these businesses as they are reserved for South Africans.”

“As business people, we are restricted from registering our tuck shops because the laws required or guarding the registrations are just too much. They need unreasonable things such as building plans, but for the past 19 years, they haven’t asked for compliance from these foreigners.”

Shabala said they need a response from the municipality and Home Affairs on their grievances and will not stop protesting until their demands are met.