The ANC Kokstad Sub-Region has outlined a series of demands aimed at tackling crime, gender-based violence, missing children, illegal immigration, drug abuse and illegal trading during a peaceful march in Kokstad on Wednesday.
In a memorandum presented during the march, the ANC expressed concern over what it described as the growing levels of violence against women and children in the Greater Kokstad area. The organisation said communities are living in fear as incidents of gender-based violence and femicide continue to rise.
The memorandum calls on the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the justice system to use all available resources to combat gender-based violence and to provide a practical, time-bound plan to address the crisis.
The ANC also highlighted the increasing number of missing children, citing the recent disappearances of children identified as Lathitha and Jola in the Marikana area. It called for the establishment of a specialised police unit dedicated to investigating missing children cases while urging parents and communities to remain vigilant.
Illegal immigration and informal trading were also among the key issues raised. While acknowledging the economic benefits of tourism and international trade, the ANC said it does not support undocumented foreign nationals operating businesses in the area. The memorandum argues that undocumented immigrants have increasingly taken over sectors such as spaza shops and salons, creating tensions with local traders.
The organisation commended the Greater Kokstad Municipality for registering informal traders and limiting the number of foreign-owned businesses operating in the central business district. However, it called on the municipality and law enforcement agencies to remove undocumented foreign nationals operating businesses illegally and to refuse trading licences to undocumented immigrants.
Drug abuse was identified as another major concern. The ANC said drug trafficking and substance abuse have become widespread in Kokstad, with young people being particularly affected. The memorandum urges senior SAPS leadership to intensify efforts against drug dealers and develop an immediate action plan to curb the sale and abuse of drugs.
The memorandum also praised the ANC-led Greater Kokstad Municipality for receiving high rankings for financial viability and good governance. It encouraged municipal leadership to continue prioritising service delivery and to ensure that trading permits are issued primarily to South African citizens.
To ensure accountability, the ANC announced the formation of a monitoring team that will engage with relevant authorities and track the implementation of commitments made in response to the memorandum.
The organisation concluded by calling on community activists and residents to unite in restoring Kokstad’s safety and reputation as an attractive destination for investment and tourism.
