DURBAN - Several community members, in solidarity with members of the March and March movement, embarked on a protest against undocumented immigrants in Durban on Tuesday.
The action led by former broadcaster Ngizwe Mchunu followed after tensions flared in a demonstration held on Monday, where members of the same movement protested in the Durban CBD.
In a statement on Monday, DA Democratic Alliance (DA) eThekwini councillor Sharmaine Sewshanker said the city has been overcome with protests since 13 April, linked to the closure of certain shops owned.
Mchunu said they remain steadfast in their action and intend to move to Gauteng, particularly Pretoria and Johannesburg.
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Mchunu denied claims that they are being violent.
“What annoys me are politicians who fail to come together and stand up in support of their mandate. Instead, they call us out for being violent. No one is being violent, it's criminals who do that. We are standing our ground and saying illegal immigrants must leave… Soon and very soon we are going to liberate this country, ”he said.
Sewshanker condemned the action on Monday, saying it was unregulated.
“These disruptions are not only unlawful but are also severely damaging to the local economy. Businesses are being forced to close, revenue is being lost, and jobs are being placed at risk in a city already facing high unemployment,” Sewshanker said at the time.
He added that South Africa is a constitutional democracy and while residents have the right to raise their concerns, protests must remain lawful, peaceful, and within the framework of the Constitution.
“Criminal acts carried out under the guise of protest action must be condemned and dealt with decisively,” Sewshanker said.