Business as usual, but caution urged as PMB braces for protests

As South Africans prepare for nationwide protests on June 30, government has urged the public to treat the day as a normal working day, assuring citizens that sufficient security measures are in place to safeguard the country.

In Pietermaritzburg, businesses, shopping centres, transport operators and security companies have nevertheless stepped up precautionary measures, as painful memories of the devastating July 2021 unrest continue to linger.

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Businesses across Pietermaritzburg say they are prepared for the planned March and March protest on June 30, with many implementing additional security measures while continuing to operate as normal.

The protest, which forms part of a series of demonstrations across the country, has raised concern among businesses and residents still scarred by the violence and widespread looting of July 2021.

Security officials and business leaders have stressed, however, that there is no indication of widespread disruption and have urged the public to remain vigilant while continuing with business as usual.

Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business CEO Melanie Veness said she attended a security briefing with the acting KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner and senior SAPS officials, where businesses were assured that extensive operational plans were in place.

The situation is fluid, but as things stand there will be various marches around the province on June 30, with possible disruptions on the N2 and N3 before and after the demonstrations.

“SAPS has a comprehensive operational plan in place and there will be additional resources deployed to support policing across the province,” Veness said.

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She said SAPS was also working closely with private security companies to co-ordinate responses.

“From what I understand, there is expected to be a march in the Pietermaritzburg city centre, which is likely to impact traffic in the CBD.

“Businesses based in the city may want to consider closing for the day or allowing staff to work from home if feasible.

“Otherwise, we have been encouraged to adopt a business-as-usual approach,” she said.

Liberty Midlands Mall general manager Lawrence Joubert said the shopping centre would remain open during normal trading hours.

“Midlands Mall is on high alert and proactive measures have been implemented to mitigate potential risks,” Joubert said.

Andrew Barnes, owner of Brookside Mall, Arbour Arch and Woodburn Mall, said additional security personnel would be deployed.

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We have plans in place and have increased security measures to ensure the safety of our patrons. Should any of our tenants feel unsafe, they do have the ability to close.

“Our construction sites will be closed and, with it being month-end, we know many people will be doing their shopping,” Barnes said.

Edendale Mall marketing manager Gugu Ngcobo said the centre would continue operating while working closely with local law enforcement.

“It is our priority to ensure the safety of our patrons and stores. We have security in place and enjoy a good working relationship with Plessislaer SAPS, who will assist us,” Ngcobo said.

South African National Taxi Council KwaZulu-Natal office manager Sifiso Shangase said taxi operations would continue as normal unless safety became a concern.

“It is a normal working day for us, but should there be any safety concerns, we will suspend operations because the safety of our drivers, passengers and the community comes first,” Shangase said.

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Safe City Msunduzi manager Jason Herbert said operations would continue as normal, with 24-hour camera monitoring in place seven days a week, and that additional capacity was available should the need arise.