About 150 residents and traders from Thohoyandou Blocks F, G and J, Muledane and Maungani marched to the Thulamela Local Municipality offices on Wednesday, demanding action on housing demolitions, unlicensed trading, food safety and crime.
Organised by the Vhembe Business Chamber NPC, the march ended with the handover of a memorandum to executive mayor Athongozwidivha Rambuda.
Residents said the housing crisis stemmed from a municipal demolition operation in April, during which more than 100 homes in Muledane and Shayandima were demolished, leaving many families homeless. Some displaced families are still staying at Makwarela Stadium.
The memorandum calls for a moratorium on further demolitions until lawful processes have been followed and alternative accommodation has been provided. It also requests a report on demolitions carried out over the past 24 months, including whether court orders were obtained.
Concerns over unlicensed trading and undocumented immigrants also featured prominently. Protester Mercy Netshithuthuli said residents were not opposed to foreigners who complied with South African law.
"All we are asking is for illegal immigrants to sort out their papers and then come back with proper documentation," she said.
She alleged that some traders were operating without licences, creating unfair competition for compliant businesses.
Vhembe Business Chamber NPC chairperson Nthumeni Morwick Mamafha said authorities should enforce trading laws equally, regardless of nationality.
"We have South African and Zimbabwean traders operating without the necessary permits. Law enforcement must apply fairly to everyone," he said.
Residents also called for an audit of informal trading permits, compliance inspections of businesses, and verification of documentation by the Department of Home Affairs where necessary. They further raised concerns about expired food allegedly being sold to schoolchildren and requested inspections of vendors near schools, as well as regular food safety checks.
The memorandum also calls for greater transparency in municipal land allocations and stronger action against crime, drug dealing and prostitution through increased police visibility and a joint municipal-SAPS task team.
Rambuda accepted the memorandum and thanked the protesters for conducting a peaceful march. She said the municipality would provide a written response within seven working days.