Update

PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - A call has gone out for calm as Kwanokuthula residents were preparing for a march today, Thursday 1 September, because of concerns over the impact of foreign nationals on the local community. 

Notices have been doing the rounds calling on foreigners to leave Kwanokuthula, accusing them of taking local jobs, contributing to a drug scourge in the area and trading illegally.

A notice has been sent out on social media platforms calling for a total shutdown of the area on 1 September and urging all foreigners to leave Kwanokuthula peacefully.

A longtime Kwanokuthula resident, Bitou councillor and Ikhwezi Political Movement (IPM) president Nokuzola Kolwapi, confirmed that the march has been approved and would entail handing over a memorandum to local authorities calling for intervention.

"This is the community's way of raising a hand and asking for help," Kolwapi said.

She said there are likely assumptions that this action would be of a violent nature, but quelled concerns saying that it is merely a plea for help. Kolwapi said some of the concerns include an increase in crime in the area, especially in the illicit drug trade.

"Residents feel that some of this crime can be attributed to foreigners in the area. The victims are our children. These are not unfounded claims."

Other concerns include the economic impact of illegal businesses and cheap labour.

She said the concerns are about illegal immigrants and the issue is being exacerbated by the fact that they "fly under the radar" when it comes to policing their actions, avoiding taxes and other regulations that apply to law-abiding citizens.

Bitou Mayor Dave Swart has issued a statement in which he expressed concern and said that the municipality and local police have met with residents to hear their concerns. He said that Kwanokuthula police met with the community on Wednesday 24 August and several follow-up meetings were held that included other relevant role players.

"We ask the community to remain calm until a resolution to this situation can be worked out," Swart urged.

LATE NEWS: Bitou Mayor Dave Swart has called on residents to reconsider their ultimatum for foreign nationals to leave the township by last night, Wednesday 31 August. 

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