Law enforcement agencies have maintained a heightened presence across several parts of eThekwini on Tuesday as communities participate in the nationwide March and March campaign calling for stronger action against illegal immigration.
While demonstrations have remained largely peaceful in the areas monitored, authorities continue to keep a close watch on gatherings to ensure public safety and prevent any escalation.
In Chatsworth, a gathering has been reported at the informal settlement along Raffia Road in Unit 11. Community members indicated that people had been assembling intermittently since Monday night, with numbers increasing during the course of Tuesday morning. Community Policing Forum (CPF) members and various community groups were also present to monitor the situation.
In Mariannhill, there has been a significant police presence, although no major incidents had been reported at the time of publication.
Further west, protesters gathered along Shepstone Road in the New Germany/Pinetown area, where Metro Police officers were deployed to monitor the demonstration and maintain order.
Authorities have urged residents to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information on social media, and cooperate with law enforcement where road disruptions or temporary traffic delays occur.
Meanwhile, the South African National Faith and Ethics Leaders Association Plus (SANERELA+) has publicly endorsed the March & March campaign, while appealing for all demonstrations to remain peaceful and free from violence.
The interfaith organisation, founded in 2006 and represented within the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), said it supports the constitutional right to peaceful protest while encouraging dialogue on the concerns being raised by South Africans.
On Monday, SANERELA+ hosted a National Day of Prayer attended by 46 religious leaders, who committed themselves to promoting peace, security and non-violence. Former SANDF Chaplain General Monwabisi Jamangile (Ret.) urged faith leaders, government, civil society and the private sector to work together to address public concerns before they develop into violent confrontations.
Gender activist Rev Vanessa Chetty cautioned against allowing violence to become the norm, saying religious leaders have a responsibility to protect communities and promote peaceful engagement.
The organisation also stressed the importance of safeguarding women and children during any future immigration enforcement processes and called for an end to human trafficking and the exploitation of undocumented migrants.
No major incidents of violence had been reported at the time of publication.
Caption: Police remain on high alert throughout Durban and surrounding areas as the day unfolds. Motorists are advised to remain vigilant and expect increased law enforcement visibility in areas where gatherings are taking place.Currently in Mamdekazi Mariannhill Picture: Phindile Nqumako
