LADYSMITH, KwaZulu-Natal — A decisive ruling by the Pietermaritzburg High Court has ordered the Alfred Duma Local Municipality to reopen foreign-owned businesses in Ladysmith (now known as uMnambithi), marking a significant victory for traders who successfully challenged their abrupt closure. The court mandated the immediate return of premises keys, allowing approximately 30 shops, hair salons, […]
LADYSMITH, KwaZulu-Natal — A decisive ruling by the Pietermaritzburg High Court has ordered the Alfred Duma Local Municipality to reopen foreign-owned businesses in Ladysmith (now known as uMnambithi), marking a significant victory for traders who successfully challenged their abrupt closure. The court mandated the immediate return of premises keys, allowing approximately 30 shops, hair salons, informal supermarkets, and spas to resume trading after being shut down during a municipal compliance campaign.
In June, the municipality conducted a compliance campaign, during which many of these establishments were deemed non-compliant. Following this, the mayor collected the keys to the premises and instructed business owners and operators not to enter the properties until full compliance was achieved.
Traders, however, argued they were being unfairly targeted. David, a business owner from Ethiopia, shared his experience regarding the closures. He stated that his shop, along with others, was locked down on June 19. “They said they don’t want the foreigner here,” David explained, noting that despite presenting valid asylum seeker documentation and a municipal license, officials declared the documents invalid and confiscated the keys, resulting in a two-and-a-half-month closure.
Following the successful High Court challenge, the businesses were legally cleared to operate. However, David reported that the legal victory was quickly marred by local unrest. He revealed that almost five shops were recently looted, vehicles were burned, and an individual sustained injuries during the turmoil, underscoring the ongoing tensions surrounding the operations.
When questioned about the general business visa requirement, which mandates a 5 million rand foreign investment, David clarified that asylum seekers are permitted to operate spaza shops or salons without meeting this financial threshold. He emphasized that the licenses were originally acquired directly from the municipality, making the sudden revocation feel unjust. “If I had 5 million, I wouldn’t have to come here,” he noted, affirming his belief that his operations remain well within South African law and that his right to operate is protected.
This legal challenge is not an isolated incident in the region. A similar case in the neighboring eThekwini municipality recently resulted in a court instructing the mayor to allow foreign business owners to operate.
Meanwhile, the Mayor of the Alfred Duma Local Municipality is expected to provide a broader perspective on the situation and outline the way forward. While many shops have reopened, some establishments remain closed, and the municipality reportedly retains the keys to those specific premises.
