Residents of Zithobeni township in Bronkhorstspruit, located just outside Pretoria, are set to march to the city center this morning. They aim to shut down shops and warehouses owned by foreign nationals that sell food and snacks, which they claim have made local learners ill.
On Thursday, residents took matters into their own hands by visiting various shops, removing snack packets, and piling them up before setting them on fire. This protest follows reports that approximately 25 learners from Mshuluzane Mayisela Primary School fell sick after allegedly consuming snacks bought from street vendors near the school.
The residents have stated that the march will be peaceful. One participant emphasized, “We’re going to have a peaceful march in Bronkhorstspruit. We are not fighting with anyone. We just want our children to be safe. Tomorrow (Friday) when we go to Bronkhorstspruit, we’re not vandalizing any shops. We will not beat up foreigners. We will approach foreign-owned businesses and request that they shut down their shops.”