By Tichaona Katsvamutima
South African law-enforcement authorities have stepped up security in and around Durban ahead of a planned protest by anti-immigrant groups seeking to confront Southern African Development Community (SADC) leaders over migration policies.
March and March, which is organising the protest, says Monday’s demonstration is aimed at putting pressure on SADC leaders and the South African government to strengthen immigration enforcement and address concerns over undocumented migration.
Other affiliated anti-immigrant organisations are also expected to take part in the protest in the vicinity of the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC), where the 46th Ordinary SADC Summit is being held.
March and March, founded by former radio presenter Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, has staged a series of demonstrations in Durban and other South African cities this year. These include a mass protest on June 30, which followed a deadline set by the group for undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country.
The group’s previous protests have intensified pressure on the South African government to address undocumented migration and immigration enforcement.
Monday’s planned protest comes as security agencies investigate three arrests linked to alleged attempts to circumvent accreditation and access-control measures at the summit.
In a statement on Sunday, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) said two Congolese nationals were arrested on Saturday after allegedly attempting to gain entry to the summit venue using accreditation issued to another person.
The suspects were intercepted at an access-controlled point after security officials found that their identities did not correspond with the accreditation they presented.
Earlier in the week, a Zimbabwean national was also arrested after allegedly attempting to obtain accreditation by posing as a performing artist. The suspect is facing a charge related to allegedly being in South Africa illegally.
The three arrests have heightened security concerns as Durban prepares to host a number of public gatherings during the regional summit.
NATJOINTS said it was aware of plans for marches and other public gatherings in and around Durban during the summit and had put security and law-enforcement measures in place to manage the activities.
“NATJOINTS respects the constitutional right to protest peacefully and lawfully. However, there will be no tolerance for criminality, violence, intimidation, threats, destruction of property, attempts to breach restricted areas or any deliberate effort to disrupt the proceedings of the summit,” the structure said.
Participants in marches and other gatherings have been urged to comply with the law and follow instructions issued by law-enforcement officers.
NATJOINTS said it would not allow legitimate gatherings to be exploited to undermine the safety, security and integrity of the summit.
“The message from NATJOINTS is clear: the 46th SADC Summit will proceed as planned. Security measures remain firmly in place, and anyone attempting to compromise the summit will face the full might of the law,” it said.
South Africa is expected to formally assume the SADC chairship for 2026/27 at Monday’s summit, with President Cyril Ramaphosa chairing the gathering of the 16-member regional bloc.
South Africa has held the position on an interim basis since November, after an extraordinary SADC summit accepted Madagascar’s relinquishment of the chair following the ouster of President Andry Rajoelina.
The heightened security comes as regional leaders prepare to discuss issues affecting the bloc, including regional integration, security, economic development and migration.
