No permits for essential travel
The public has since been urged to report anyone who is selling permits for movement purposes for the purchasing of essentials.
Recently, residents from around Tzaneen have been complaining about local councils and ward councillors who charge them a fee to get a permit to travel.
A source told Herald that he and his partner were charged R20 for permits which they thought are required in accordance with the disaster management act.
“We went to a traditional council headman to obtain permits to travel to town to buy newborn baby clothes. The headman told us that he can only help if I pay R20,” he said.
He further said that he knew of other people who had the same experience but refused to pay for a permit.
ALSO READ: Seven suspects nabbed after a tip-off of a planned ATM bombing near Tzaneen
Another complainant from Gavaza village told Herald that she was stopped at a roadblock in Bhindzulani. Despite explaining that she needed to collect prescription medication for a chronically ill boy under her care, she was refused to continue with her trip to town.
“They stopped the taxi I was travelling in. I did not have a permit and tried to explain to the officer that I needed to collect the boy’s medication from Clicks in Tzaneen. I was told I needed a permit to get to town,” she explained.
She said she had a proof of residence with her but she was told she needed a permit too.
Herald contacted Greater Tzaneen Municipality (GTM) spokesperson, Neville Ndlala regarding the complaints.
“Movement and travel are permitted to collect medication, buy food and go to work. Recently clothing for newborn babies were also added to the list.”
He urged residents who experience problems from their local councils and other authorities to report these matters to the police.
Sgt Maurice Nkhwashu, Tzaneen SAPS spokesperson, also urged the public to open cases where permits are being sold and where people are restricted to travel such as collect medication.
“Therefore, anyone charging any fee for a permit should be reported to the police.”
ALSO READ: Virtual game drives and viewing online
GTM also said that municipalities do not issue permits for movement.
“Our councillors have been inundated with requests for permits to enable residents to buy groceries, go to pharmacies or visit medical facilities. We want to place it on record that councillors do not have authority to issue such permits. The only permits that our councillors are authorised to issue are permits for spaza shops and hawkers (no cooked food allowed).
“Any citizen or person currently in the country is permitted by the disaster management regulations access to grocery stores, pharmacies and to seek medical attention. As such a person is not required to produce any form of permit. Only essential service workers, as stipulated in the regulations, must at all times be in possession of the necessary paperwork and/or a permit issued by their employers.”
