Calm as nationwide protest begins
Law enforcement agencies have ramped up security across the country as the March and March protests begin.
The March and March-led protest calling for stronger action against undocumented migration is underway across South Africa, with authorities reporting a largely calm situation despite isolated incidents and heightened security across the country.
Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, the deputy national commissioner for policing, said operational command centres are operating 24 hours a day across all nine provinces.
He was speaking during a briefing yesterday (June 29).
“The first responders tasked with responding to public gatherings and any emerging incidents are fully deployed and on high alert. Public Order Policing units are in position.”
She said specialised operational units are ready to respond at a moment’s notice, with the Air Wing providing aerial surveillance and operational support wherever required.
Mosikili said SAPS is committed to securing every lawful and peaceful demonstration, protecting every community, safeguarding critical infrastructure and maintaining public order.
While police reported no major incidents nationally, communities across the country experienced varying levels of protest activity as the day got underway.
KZN
In Durban, the Berea Mail reported that protesters were gathering under the watchful eye of a heavy police deployment at King Dinuzulu Park, where the march was set to start before proceeding along Dr Pixley KaSeme Street (West Street) to the Point Police Station.
Northglen News reported that traffic in Durban was flowing freely at the Umgeni Interchange and along the M4, with no sign of protest activity as of 08:00.
Excellerate Services spokesperson Kyle van Reenen said the company’s aviation unit was conducting aerial surveillance over the eThekwini region while its national command centre continued to monitor the situation.
“As of 8:00, no disruptions have been reported in the Durban area. Traffic is flowing freely, all major intersections remain open,” said Van Reenen.
“We are monitoring the N2, N3, Chris Hani (Old North Coast) Road, the R102, Dumisani Makhaye, Queen Nandi Drive, Umgeni Road and the M4,” he added.
Limpopo
Lowvelder reported that Limpopo SAPS arrested community members in Ga-Mampuru for allegedly looting foreign-owned shops between midnight and 02:00.
Some of the remaining spaza shop owners emptied their stores and temporarily withdrew from the area as a precautionary measure.
However, as of 06:00, all roads in and around Burgersfort, Ohrigstad and Steelpoort remained open and accessible.
Gauteng
In a post on X, Proudly South African shared a video showing protesters taking to the streets of Germiston.
In a statement, police said the protest started in the Germiston CBD before moving towards Tops Spar at the corner of Angus and President streets in Germiston South.
“The group of people were marching and singing peacefully in the streets of Germiston. Protesters, who were a group of about 70 people, started singing songs at street corners while moving towards Driehoek, Germiston.”
Police said there were no incidents of road closures, damage to property or violence.
“The crowd dispersed. SAPS members on duty are still following and keeping an eye on the protesters,” police said.
As of this morning, the Johannesburg CBD remained quiet, with some shops closed and taxis operating as usual.
Another post on X, shared by ReneilweMolefe3, showed the usually busy Johannesburg CBD with very little activity.
Western Cape
Alderman JP Smith, a member of the City of Cape Town’s mayoral committee, said there had been no major incidents reported.
“All roads remain open and free-flowing. We have had no incidents related to xenophobic violence.”
He also urged the public not to share false information.
Business as usual
Despite heightened security and isolated protests in some areas, many South Africans continued with their daily routines, with some commuting to work as normal, while others opted to work from home as a precaution.
Comments shared on social media suggested that conditions remained largely calm in many areas, with residents reporting little disruption to daily life.
Elma Diedericks from Phalaborwa said she was at work and had experienced no disruptions.
Liana Breed also reported no issues in Nelspruit.
Brigitte Taylor said there were no problems in Umhlanga, adding that the roads were quiet.
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