South Africa: Court Approves Anti-Immigrant Protests in Durban With Strict Conditions
A South African court has approved anti-immigrant demonstrations in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal Province, under strict conditions, following police concerns over possible violence and destruction of property.
The KwaZulu-Natal High Court ruled on Friday that members of the March and March movement could proceed with their planned protests after initially suspending the demonstrations over security concerns.
Police had approached the court to stop the marches, alleging that protesters intended to set fire to a refugee reception centre during a demonstration scheduled for Thursday.
However, under the latest ruling, demonstrators must follow designated routes, refrain from carrying sticks and avoid covering their faces. The protests are also restricted to between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
South African police authorities said their application was not aimed at preventing lawful demonstrations but at ensuring public safety and protecting property.
National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola said the police would not tolerate activities involving violence, attacks on individuals, injuries or destruction of property.
The protests are driven by allegations from some South Africans that undocumented foreign nationals are taking local jobs, placing additional pressure on public services and contributing to rising crime.
The country continues to battle high unemployment, making immigration a major source of public debate.
Meanwhile, some African countries, including Nigeria and Ghana, have repatriated their citizens following weeks of anti-immigrant tensions and reported violence in South Africa.
The unrest intensified ahead of an unofficial June 30 deadline announced by protesters, who demanded that undocumented immigrants leave the country.
Earlier this month, demonstrations against a court ruling that eased access to asylum turned violent, resulting in at least 24 vehicles being set ablaze and several shops looted.
Leader of the March and March movement, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, accused the government and police of attempting to deny protesters their constitutional right to demonstrate.
South Africa Deploys Over 500 Soldiers
Amid growing security concerns, the South African government recently deployed more than 500 soldiers to KwaZulu-Natal Province, which includes Durban.
Nonetheless, the immigration crisis has also become a prominent issue in political campaigns as South Africans prepare for local government elections next week.
The court’s decision allows the demonstrations to proceed while placing restrictions on protesters to prevent further violence and maintain public order.
