Tensions rise as anti-immigration protests spread to Pietermaritzburg

Tensions over immigration continued to simmer in parts of Pietermaritzburg on Tuesday as residents of Eastwood and Thembelihle marched, calling for undocumented foreign nationals to leave their communities.

The protests took place ahead of the anticipated arrival of the March and March movement in the city on Wednesday.

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Groups of residents marched through several neighbourhoods, chanting slogans and demanding that undocumented foreign nationals leave the area.

Protesters accused undocumented immigrants of placing pressure on local economic opportunities and community resources.

In Thembelihle, demonstrators shut down at least one Somali-owned spaza shop as part of a protest aimed at forcing undocumented foreign nationals out of the community.

Protesters argued that local residents should be prioritised when it comes to operating small businesses in the area.

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By the time The Witness arrived at the scene, the demonstration had largely dispersed.

However, residents remained gathered in small groups discussing immigration-related concerns and preparations for Wednesday’s planned activities.

The owner of the affected spaza shop, Zedi Abedi, declined to comment on the protest and referred questions to residents leading the demonstration.

Ward councillor Nkosivelile Dlamini said he had not been informed of the protest beforehand and was therefore unable to engage with residents while it was taking place.

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It would have been difficult for me to address people on something I was not informed about.

Meanwhile, Ward 34 councillor Roy Ram confirmed that residents in his area had also gathered on Tuesday. He described the demonstrations as peaceful and linked them to preparations for the arrival of the March and March movement in Pietermaritzburg.

“The protesters were peaceful, and they dispersed peacefully,” said Ram.

I have been in contact with the police, and there were no violent incidents. March and March will be in town tomorrow (Wednesday), so residents were preparing for the day.

He said police maintained a visible presence in the affected areas, although no arrests or incidents of violence were reported.

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However, the protests have also fuelled fear and uncertainty among some foreign nationals living in the city.

Allegations have surfaced that incidents of intimidation, looting and violence accompanied some anti-immigration actions elsewhere, prompting some foreign-owned businesses to close temporarily and some residents to seek safety elsewhere.

Community leaders and law enforcement agencies have repeatedly appealed for calm and urged residents to act within the law.

Eastwood resident Bheki, who declined to give his surname, said residents were not looking for trouble but wanted government to show seriousness in dealing with illegal immigration.

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“We have been told that March and March is coming to Pietermaritzburg tomorrow, so this was one way of mobilising the masses in preparation for tomorrow. These spaza shops, we can also run; it’s not a scarce skill to run one.

The number of undocumented foreigners is scary. They must go back home and follow the processes if they want to return to South Africa.

Mountain Rise Community Policing Forum (CPF) chairperson Sham Govender said residents had been urged to remain vigilant.

“We advise people to restrict their movements and report any illegal activities they witness during these protests. We are aware of these activities, and our appeal is that people do everything within the confines of the law,” he said.

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Meanwhile, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development and the Department of Home Affairs have established a priority court to process immigration matters involving Malawian nationals staying at Sherwood Park in Durban.

Deputy Justice Minister Andries Nel said immigration teams had screened 1 876 Malawian nationals found to be in the country illegally.

More than 600 people have already been repatriated by bus, with further departures expected.

“The process is ongoing, and officials are working around the clock to ensure that screening, documentation and transportation are carried out in an orderly and humane manner,” he said, adding that the Malawian government had facilitated the return of 676 nationals by June 15.