Phakel Umthakathi Raises Serious Concerns Amid Nongoma Shop Dispute

Nkosikhona Ndabandaba, popularly known as Phakel’umthakathi, has made fresh allegations concerning foreign-owned businesses in Nongoma, KwaZulu-Natal, as a legal dispute over the closure of several shops continues.

Speaking to journalists outside the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Thursday, 12 November 2026, Ndabandaba defended his position on the shop closures and raised concerns about business documentation and compliance with South African laws.

His comments followed an urgent court application brought by foreign business owners seeking protection against interference with their businesses.

According to Eyewitness News, the dispute began after a group led by Ndabandaba closed foreign-owned shops in Nongoma on 14 October 2026. Chains and locks were reportedly placed on the premises to prevent trading.

The affected business owners subsequently approached the High Court, seeking an order compelling the removal of the locks and preventing further disruptions.

During his media address, Ndabandaba alleged that some businesses had repeatedly opened and closed because their owners lacked the necessary documentation.

He also questioned whether certain individuals operating the shops were the same people listed on their registration documents.

Ndabandaba further claimed that some people previously arrested in connection with the dispute had paid money to have criminal cases withdrawn.

These allegations have not been independently verified, and no evidence establishing the alleged payments was presented in the information reviewed for this report.

Ndabandaba maintained that his concerns were related to protecting local communities and ensuring that businesses operated within the law.

He argued that South Africans had a responsibility to protect their communities, particularly women and children, while also emphasising the importance of lawful business operations.

However, the affected shop owners have challenged the closures through the courts.

According to court documents reported by IOL, the applicants want possession of their business premises restored and the removal of any chains, locks or other obstructions preventing them from trading.

They are also seeking an interdict to prevent intimidation, trespassing and further interference with their businesses.

The shop owners dispute Ndabandaba’s account that they voluntarily agreed to stop operating while their legal status was being checked.

The disagreement has placed the competing claims before the High Court, where the parties are seeking a resolution.

During Thursday’s proceedings, the court directed the parties to engage in discussions in an attempt to reach an agreement.

The matter was subsequently adjourned to 23 November 2026.

Ndabandaba, who represented himself during the proceedings, has maintained that his actions are motivated by concerns about the local economy and compliance with South African legislation.

The foreign business owners, meanwhile, are seeking legal protection and the opportunity to resume their operations without interference.

The case has attracted attention because it raises questions about business compliance, community activism and the legal rights of people operating businesses in South Africa.

Although authorities have the responsibility to enforce immigration and business regulations, disputes involving alleged unlawful trading must be addressed through lawful processes.

The parties are expected to return to the Pietermaritzburg High Court on 23 November, when further developments may determine the future of the affected shops.

You can read from the source here:https://x.com/mdnnewss/status/2120867525994885172?a=ulLDgefZ6_rgf3i0RuM&s=46

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