- Traders want activists to remove chains and locks from their shops and stop alleged trespassing and intimidation.
- Phakelumthakathi Ndabandaba opposes the application, saying his campaign seeks compliance with immigration laws.
Foreign-owned businesses fighting to reopen their shops in Nongoma must wait until 23 November for a full hearing of their urgent court application.
The traders have taken activist Phakelumthakathi Ndabandaba, seven other individuals and the Insizwa Nobunsizwa Development Foundation to the Pietermaritzburg High Court.
Proceedings on Thursday were initially adjourned because Ndabandaba, who is representing himself, did not have an interpreter.
The full hearing was later postponed to 23 November, when both sides will present formal arguments.
Judge Nirghin directed Ndabandaba and the business owners to step outside the courtroom for an hour to discuss a possible resolution. He stressed that the matter must be handled within the law.
The postponement did not decide the merits of the traders’ application or establish that the court favoured either side.
More than 20 foreign-owned businesses in the Nongoma CBD filed the urgent application on 6 November.
They want the court to compel the activists to remove chains and locks allegedly placed on their storefronts on 14 October and restore possession of their premises.
They are also seeking an interdict preventing the group from trespassing on their properties or intimidating workers.
In their court papers, the traders accuse the activists of harassment, threats and demanding immigration documents.
They say some business owners have abandoned their shops and gone into hiding out of fear for their safety. Employees have also lost income because the businesses cannot trade.
Ndabandaba opposes the application.
Speaking outside court, he said his campaign aimed to ensure foreign traders complied with South African immigration and documentation laws, rather than unlawfully shutting down businesses.
“We met with them in our campaign against illegal immigrants that are operating in Nongoma. We did that with the assistance of Police and Immigration officers,” said Ndabandaba.
“They were then instructed to come with their documentation to the Police station to prove that they are lawfully in this country to do business.”
His account is disputed by the traders, who are asking the court to protect their businesses from further interference.
