KWAZULU-NATAL — The KwaZulu-Natal protest marches that took place across the province were largely peaceful, according to the provincial Premier, despite isolated looting arrests and a continued government crackdown on illegal migration. Addressing the outcomes of the demonstrations, the provincial leadership detailed ongoing engagements with activists, the successful relocation of undocumented foreign nationals, and strategic efforts to prevent a recurrence of the widespread unrest experienced in 2021.
According to the KwaZulu-Natal Premier, the majority of the KwaZulu-Natal protest marches proceeded without major incidents. The peaceful nature of the demonstrations was credited to the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies, community safety structures, traditional leaders, and local government, who worked jointly to secure lives and property. However, the Premier noted that while the marchers consisted of ordinary citizens—including members of various political parties—criminal syndicates and opportunists exploited the gatherings. Police arrested 10 individuals who were caught attempting to loot spaza shops owned by foreign nationals. The Premier strongly condemned these criminal elements, applauding the swift police action and emphasizing that the province will not tolerate a return to the violence and destruction seen in 2021.
Addressing statements from march organizers indicating that the protests are not yet over and will continue, the Premier assured that the provincial government will maintain active engagement with activists. He emphasized the importance of providing steadfast leadership during difficult times to ensure a stable environment. This strategy is reinforced by a recently hosted provincial summit, which advocated for peaceful demonstrations and established clear expectations that no property should be destroyed and no individuals harmed during any future gatherings.
A significant focus of the address was the government’s ongoing efforts to tackle illegal migration. The Premier urged community members to report undocumented foreigners to the police for lawful processing by immigration officers. Highlighting previous interventions, he referenced operations conducted in May within the eThekwini municipality—where the local Mayor was actively involved in verification and relocation processes—as well as situations in Sherwood and Pietermaritzburg. He confirmed that all temporary holding centers in Durban and Pietermaritzburg have since been closed, and the occupants have been successfully relocated to Beitbridge.
The provincial government has also been in continuous discussions with foreign consulates and high commissioners. The Premier noted that these diplomatic representatives have committed to not supporting illegal migration into South Africa. Countries such as Zimbabwe and Malawi have played pivotal roles in facilitating the repatriation and transport of their nationals. Moving forward, the leadership stressed the need for social cohesion, calling on societal leaders to help integrate documented foreign nationals back into their communities peacefully.
Additionally, the Premier addressed a specific incident that occurred at approximately 14:02, where video footage showed marchers allegedly forcing their way into a woman’s home, accusing her of harboring undocumented immigrants. He attributed such actions to individuals with ulterior motives and criminal opportunism, reiterating that while citizens have the right to raise concerns, they must strictly adhere to the laws of the country and respect lawful processes.
When questioned about the economic fallout, the Premier acknowledged that the KwaZulu-Natal protest marches resulted in business closures and financial losses, though a quantified assessment of the economic impact is still pending. He noted that many residents restricted their movement due to uncertainty and lingering trauma from the 2021 unrest, but expressed gratitude to the citizens who heeded the call for stability and ensured the province remained secure.