The MSDF chairperson, Potso Motoko, says officials have failed to respond to their previous demands.

The group last year held a series of protests which included the protest at the Department of Health's Bophelo House, the Premier of the Free State, Sisi Ntombela, and the Department of Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (Destea).

OFM News' Blaine Jones is currently on the scene and reports traffic officers and police officials are present, overlooking gathering protesters engaging in songs.

The march is set to commence from the Limo Mall in Bloemfontein to the Magistrate's Court. Motoko says one of the main reasons for the protest is foreign nationals who take up job space and engage in illegal activities and sales.

Potso says if officials do not respond to their demands, they are heading for a total shutdown.

"It is not a threat, we are capable of it, we can do it. If they comply and respond positively to our demands we can call it off," says Potso.

During the next three days, the forum will engage in a march, picketing, and a night virgil, Potso says.

"We are starting at the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court. We had people arrested for a shutdown march previously.  You cannot arrest someone who fights for their rights, someone who demands service delivery, whereas corrupt people aren't being arrested. Destea should pay out the money to small businesses so that foreigners can go. And the Premier must also account why she can't oversee the things taking place in the province," says Potso.

OFM News