Durban – As President Cyril Ramaphosa prepared to officially open Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026 on Tuesday, members of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party staged a vocal protest outside the main entrance of the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre.
The demonstrators gathered early, holding placards and chanting slogans calling for the President’s immediate resignation. Their action came in the wake of Ramaphosa’s recent national address responding to a Constitutional Court judgment concerning the long-running Phala Phala farm scandal.
In interviews with protestors, several expressed deep dissatisfaction with the President’s handling of the matter. They argued that the ConCourt ruling, which set aside aspects of Parliament’s previous process on the impeachment inquiry, underscored unresolved questions about accountability and revived calls for his removal from office.
One protestor told New Afrika Biz: “Ramaphosa must step down. The Phala Phala issue has damaged the integrity of the highest office. We cannot continue like this.”
Calls for Arrest of Suspended Police Minister
In addition to demands targeting the President, some MK Party supporters called for the immediate arrest of suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu. Mchunu was placed on a leave of absence by Ramaphosa in 2025 amid serious allegations of links to organised crime and interference in police investigations.
Protestors voiced frustration over what they described as delays in the ongoing investigations, insisting that decisive action was needed to restore public trust in law enforcement.
The protest remained contained outside the venue and did not disrupt the formal proceedings inside, where Ramaphosa delivered the keynote address highlighting South Africa’s tourism recovery, record visitor numbers, and the sector’s role in job creation and economic growth.
Africa’s Travel Indaba, one of the continent’s premier tourism trade events, brings together industry stakeholders, buyers, and exhibitors to showcase opportunities and foster partnerships across Africa. This year’s edition runs from 11 to 14 May in Durban, under the theme focused on unlocking the continent’s tourism potential.
Political tensions in South Africa continue to simmer amid ongoing debates over governance, accountability, and economic priorities. The MK Party’s demonstration at such a high-profile international event underscores the intersection of politics and economic sectors like tourism, which remains vital for KwaZulu-Natal and the national economy.
New Afrika Biz will continue to monitor developments from the Indaba and related political stories.
By Don Mthethwa, New Afrika Biz Magazine