Phakelumthakathi in trouble as foreigners decide to deal with him using the law

A group of foreign-owned businesses operating in Nongoma, KwaZulu-Natal, has approached the High Court in Pietermaritzburg, seeking legal protection against what they describe as increasing intimidation, harassment and interference with their business activities.

The legal dispute has brought renewed attention to tensions between anti-immigration activism and the rights of foreign nationals to operate businesses in South Africa.

The court application, reportedly filed on 10 November 2026, involves 22 businesses that have raised concerns about the conduct of local anti-immigration activist Nkosikhona “Phakelumthakathi” Ndabandaba and individuals allegedly associated with him.

Among the businesses involved are Farooq Blitz Trading (Pty) Ltd, Ali71999 Cell and Sound (Pty) Ltd, Nongoma Tasty Shawarma (Pty) Ltd and Halal Fried Chicken, alongside several other smaller enterprises operating in the area.

Through their legal representatives, the business owners are asking the court to intervene and stop what they describe as unlawful actions preventing them from conducting their daily operations.

One of their main demands is the removal of locks, chains and other physical barriers allegedly placed at their business premises, which they claim have prevented them from accessing their properties and serving customers.

The applicants further allege that employees have been intimidated and that business activities have been disrupted through the actions of Ndabandaba and his associates.

At the centre of the dispute is Ndabandaba, who is known for his outspoken opposition to illegal immigration and his association with the March and March movement, an organisation recognised for its anti-immigration campaigns.

The business owners believe that the alleged activities have created an increasingly difficult environment for foreign-owned businesses in Nongoma, raising concerns about their safety, property rights and ability to earn a living.

The dispute also brings an important constitutional question before the courts: where should South Africa draw the line between freedom of expression and the protection of other people’s rights?

Although individuals have the constitutional right to express their opinions about immigration and government policies, that freedom does not automatically give anyone permission to intimidate others, damage property or unlawfully interfere with legitimate business operations.

The High Court will therefore have to consider the allegations presented by the applicants and determine whether the requested legal protection should be granted.

The urgency of the application suggests that the affected business owners believe their livelihoods are under immediate threat and that court intervention is necessary to prevent further disruption.

The matter could also become significant for other communities experiencing similar disagreements between local anti-immigration groups and foreign-owned businesses.

For now, the legal battle in Pietermaritzburg will be closely monitored as the court considers the competing issues of constitutional rights, freedom of expression, property protection and the right to conduct lawful business in South Africa.

However, the allegations against Ndabandaba and his associates remain allegations until properly examined and determined by the court.

https://x.com/TheTruthPanther/status/2120744370592711103

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