ETHEKWINI, KWAZULU-NATAL — In a decisive move to restore eThekwini security and protect local commerce, President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorized the immediate deployment of military personnel to the region. Addressing business leaders on Wednesday evening, the President tackled growing concerns over a recent surge in looting, vandalism, and fatal violence targeting small enterprises and a foreign national in the Durban central business district.
Delivering the keynote address at the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s 170th Annual Gala Dinner, President Ramaphosa moved quickly to assure both communities and commercial entities that the government is escalating its safety measures. To bolster local law enforcement, the President has authorized the deployment of 510 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members to KwaZulu-Natal in support of Operation Prosper. The military contingent will remain in the province until the end of November.
An active investigation is currently underway regarding the murder of a man in the Durban CBD last week. Acknowledging that this tragedy has sparked uncertainty among business owners—many of whom still carry the fresh trauma of the July 2021 unrest—President Ramaphosa stressed that while the recent incidents appear isolated, the government is taking no chances.
“Prosperity depends on social stability,” the President emphasized, noting that investment and business cannot thrive in environments plagued by violence, intimidation, or lawlessness. He warned that communities divided by fear cannot build a successful economy, drawing a direct line between the protection of democratic institutions and the economic health of the province.
“Whatever grievances people may have, there can be no justification for violence, for looting, for destruction of livelihoods,” President Ramaphosa stated, condemning the recent disturbances as entirely intolerable.
The security crackdown comes at a highly sensitive time, with the President noting that the political climate is heavily charged with the 2026 Local Government Elections just days away. Addressing the social tensions, he warned against the weaponization of xenophobia, stating that concerns regarding illegal immigration must never be used as a pretext for criminality or to turn communities against one another.
He cautioned that opportunistic elements are actively exploiting public sentiment around migration to stir up unrest and create cover for illicit activities. “Just as we refused to be turned against each other before, we will refuse to be divided now,” he asserted.
Highlighting eThekwini’s status as the economic heart of KwaZulu-Natal, President Ramaphosa called for stable, forward-looking leadership to consolidate the region’s recovery following its difficult recent history.
Looking toward the ballot box, the President issued a direct appeal to the citizens of the metro to participate in the democratic process. The 2026 Local Government Elections are scheduled for 4 November.
“I call on all of you to go out and vote,” President Ramaphosa urged. “Let it be a vote for progress. Let it be a vote for recovery. Let it be a vote for shared prosperity for the people of eThekwini.”
