A PUBLIC meeting has been called by the Glenwood Bulwer Ratepayers and Residents Association (GBRRA) for Saturday, June 27, to discuss the state of readiness ahead of the planned June 30 anti-illegal immigration march in Durban.

The meeting, which is open to residents of Glenwood, Bulwer and Umbilo, will be held at the Berea Bowling Club at 17:00. GBRRA chairperson Heather Roos said security companies, law enforcement agencies and neighbourhood watch groups have been invited to attend alongside concerned residents.

“We do not want to cause panic, but we learnt a lot from the 2021 riots and looting about the importance of being prepared,” said Roos.

“The marches are being labelled as peaceful, but we know how quickly things can turn. We want the community to be prepared and know what the plan of action is and who to call in case of an emergency.”

Also Read: June 30 protests: Musgrave, Essenwood on high alert

Roos said the safety and security measures being put in place to deter criminal elements will be discussed.

“The marches are peaceful, but there could be opportunists waiting to take advantage of the situation, and we want to be prepared,” she added.

The march, expected to attract thousands of protesters, is scheduled to start at 09:00 from King Dinuzulu Park and proceed to the Durban CBD. To allay the fears of concerned residents about the June 30 march, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Phumelele Makoba, and Acting Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing Major General Vukani Mgobhozi met with the organisers to reinforce the need for a peaceful demonstration.

Mkhwanazi said the deliberations had resulted in an understanding that the province would see no violence, criminality or looting on June 30 and beyond.

Also Read: Organisers insist June 30 march to go ahead despite City’s refusal

“Patriotism must propel the community to hold us as government accountable, not to destroy property, which is what makes our country stand out among many others,” said Mkhwanazi.

He added: “Our appeal to organisers of the marches is that they must preach the message of responsible citizenship and discipline during the marches. Crime will be treated as crime, and the law will take its course.”

Residents wishing to attend the GBRRA meeting can register using the following link: https://tally.so/r/Gxkgjj. Registration is required for verification purposes.

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