PIETERMARITZBURG, KWAZULU-NATAL — KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli has issued a stern warning regarding the potential for weekly anti-immigration marches in the province, arguing that recurring protests will send a damaging message of instability. Following a largely peaceful demonstration on Tuesday, the Premier addressed the ongoing displacement of foreign nationals and the economic risks posed by continuous civic actions.
During Tuesday’s anti-illegal immigration marches, more than 51 individuals were arrested in KwaZulu-Natal for various offenses, including looting. While Premier Ntuli praised the majority of protesters for conducting themselves peacefully, he condemned the vigilantism that has emerged in the wake of the demonstrations.
Currently, two primary areas of concern have been identified in the province: Shallcross Stadium in Durban and parts of Pietermaritzburg. In these areas, Zimbabwean nationals have reportedly been gathering after being pushed out of their homes by residents conducting door-to-door searches, demanding that undocumented individuals leave South Africa.
Premier Ntuli emphasized that citizens cannot take the law into their own hands by acting as immigration officials. The provincial government plans to engage municipalities, local councilors, and law enforcement to address the issues at the local level.
“We are on record saying there are people who are here in our country legally,” Ntuli stated. For those who are undocumented, the government is coordinating with foreign national offices to assist those who wish to return to their home countries.
The Premier expressed surprise at the sheer volume of undocumented foreign nationals discovered in the province, noting that a large number of Malawians have recently been repatriated from KwaZulu-Natal. He highlighted that the root of the issue is partly tied to local complicity, noting that South Africans have rented out spaza shops and hired undocumented migrants as domestic workers and nannies.
Ntuli reiterated a directive originally made by the President of the Republic during a State of the Nation address, which stated that anyone employing undocumented foreign nationals must face arrest. This message, according to the Premier, has begun to raise awareness within communities about the legal implications of hiring undocumented individuals, leading to increased cooperation with authorities.
The relative peace of Tuesday’s march was attributed to extensive prior engagements between the government, police, local government leaders, and traditional structures, including the Amabutho and Amakhosi. Moving forward, Ntuli urged residents to report undocumented individuals to the police or the Department of Home Affairs, as only law enforcement and immigration officers have the legal capacity to determine a person’s residency status.
Addressing the humanitarian crisis at the gathering sites, the Premier condemned the inhumane treatment of vulnerable foreign nationals, including women and children, being forced into the cold. He confirmed that the provincial government is working closely with high commissions—such as the Malawian High Commission—national government departments, and NGOs to provide transport and shelter for those wishing to return home.
Despite the peaceful nature of the initial protests, organizers have announced plans to hold smaller, weekly marches every Thursday to maintain pressure on undocumented foreign nationals. Premier Ntuli made it clear that the provincial government absolutely does not support this trajectory.
“We cannot support instability because when you cause people to march on a weekly basis, it becomes a problem,” Ntuli explained. He warned that continuous protests project an image of instability that will directly harm the province’s economy by scaring away investment, damaging the tourism sector, and threatening job creation. He noted that local businesses already suffer financial losses on the days marches occur.
Determined to avoid a repeat of the widespread unrest seen in 2021, the KZN government is continuing to engage with civic societies, the council of social cohesion, and moral regeneration forums. The Premier stressed that all sectors of society must play a role in building a future for KwaZulu-Natal that is defined by peace, social cohesion, and a stable environment that enables economic growth.
