A PLAN of action exploring the use of drones, constant monitoring, and volunteers manning entry and exit points has been put in place to ensure the safety of Glenwood, Bulwer, and Umbilo residents and infrastructure ahead of tomorrow’s (June 30) mass anti-illegal immigration protest in the Durban CBD.

Glenwood/Bulwer Ratepayers and Residents Association (GBRRA) chairperson Keyuren Maharaj said entry and exit routes have been mapped, together with vulnerable locations, including shopping centres, medical facilities and other key infrastructure in anticipation of rogue elements infiltrating the planned peaceful march.

Maharaj was addressing the over 200 residents, business, and security personnel that attended the community meeting at the Berea Bowling Club on Saturday where the plan of action was explained.

With community already on high alert amid fears of the repeat of the July 2021 riots, the meeting was also attended by Umbilo Community Crime Awareness (UCCA), with support from the Bulwer Safety and Regeneration Forum (BSURF), Umbilo CPF Sub-forums 1 and 3, the Umbilo Youth Crime Prevention Desk, local security companies and community volunteers.

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

Maharaj said, “Community organisations have also partnered with local security companies to strengthen co-ordination and are exploring the use of drone patrols to enhance situational awareness where possible.”

Umbilo CPF Sector 3’s Vaughan Reid urged residents to act responsibly by not flooding the open line of communications and creating unnecessary panic through WhatsApp groups and social media.

“Do not spread rumours of unrest that create unnecessary panic. Report suspicious activity on the crime groups, and remain vigilant. Our numbers are all there on the groups if you need assistance,” he said.  

To assist in reporting of suspicious activity Maharaj confirmed the activation of the temporary Disaster Management Centre within the CityMenderSA mobile application, to streamline incident reports.

Also Read: GBRRA calls safety meeting ahead of June 30 mass march

“The platform enables residents to report verified incidents such as protests, large gatherings, road closures, fires, infrastructure damage and other emergencies,” said Maharaj. “The information assists community organisations, private security providers and emergency responders by providing a shared operational picture during rapidly developing situations.”

A volunteer registration initiative has also been launched for residents wishing to assist during this period. “Community members with experience or an interest in medical support, patrols, visibility, communications or acting as additional eyes and ears are encouraged to register so that assistance can be co-ordinated safely and effectively if required,” he urged.

Among the key roads being monitored are JB Marks, Che Guevara, Lena Ahrens, Maze, and Rick Turner and any others leading to Davenport Square, Berea Centre, and the Glenwood Village. Janus Horn of Homeland Security reassured residents that plans are in place to ensure that the march remains peaceful throughout with a high number of police deployment.

“We all learnt our lesson in 2021, the police are prepared,” said Horn. “Do not panic, plans are in place and the SAPS are on the ground to ensure that march remains peaceful.”

The march will commence at 09:00 from King Dinuzulu Park moving along Dr Pixley KaSeme heading towards Point where it will end.

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