Members of the Zulu regiment known as the ‘Amabutho’ chant slogans as they march during a demonstration by the "March and March" movement marking an unofficial deadline set by citizen-led groups for undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa, in Durban, on June 30, 2026. Rajesh Jantilal / AFP
DURBAN - KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli said the protests in the province were largely peaceful.
At least 51 people were arrested for public disorder and looting during the marches on 30 June.
READ: 900 arrested after nationwide protests against undocumented migrants
He said those arrested do not represent the thousands who marched in good faith.
"To those who anticipated disorder, who believed that the exercise of democratic rights would descend into violence and destruction, I say plainly they were disappointed.
"KwaZulu-Natal did not give them what they were waiting for. What unfolded instead was a powerful demonstration of civic immaturity. Thousands of our people took to the streets to express legitimate concerns about undocumented migration. They did so peacefully, lawfully, and with discipline.
"They were individuals who sought to exploit the moment, to hijack the peaceful character of these marches for criminal and destructive ends. We condemn this unreservedly."