BUSINESSES say they expect no disruptions and will remain open despite planned protest action on Tuesday, June 30.

Marches are planned nationwide by anti-illegal immigration groups with calls for undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa.

While law enforcement has assured residents that there will be no violence or looting of shops on Tuesday, the much-publicised march has created panic throughout eThekwini with fears of a repeat of the 2021 July unrest which led to looting.

Also read: KZN SAPS reassure citizens ahead of June 30 marches

According to acting police minister Firoz Cachalia R600m has been redirected within the SAPS budget to ensure operational readiness ahead of the planned demonstrations.

Northglen News spoke to local businesses about their plans for Tuesday.

Garth Slater, the manager of Eastmans SPAR in Glenashley, said they will operate as normal.

“It’s a normal day, we don’t expect any violence. Some of our distributors have changed their delivery days because of June 30 but there has been no major disruptions. We feel safe with plans from law enforcement and our local community. If you look at the March and March protests, they generally have been peaceful,” he said.

Related story: Warning over fake R250 reward post before June 30 protests

Michael Moodie, the owner of Ellis Park Butchery in Durban North, said they too will remain open tomorrow

“We will be operating as normal. On the retail side of things, the butchery will be open and if there is any serious action on the delivery side we will halt deliveries. I won’t put my drivers at risk. If we know there’s an issue in a particular area or hotspot, then it’s best to be cautious,” he said.

Meanwhile the Durban & Coast SPCA offices, based in Springfield Park, will be closed on Tuesday.

“Due to potential protest action, our Springfield Park premises (Willowfield Crescent) will be closed. We will also close our charity shop in Sunningdale and our stand will be closed at the House + Garden Show on Tuesday. We are however open for any animal emergencies,” explained marketing manager for the association, Tanya Fleischer

The emergency number for the SPCA is 083 212 6103.

Also adding his voice of reassurance to the matter was President Cyril Ramaphosa.

From our sister paper: Malawi nationals to be relocated from Durban to Musina, Limpopo

In his weekly newsletter on Monday, the president said while the Constitution guarantees the right to protest, this right must be exercised responsibly.

He acknowledged that South Africans have raised legitimate concerns about illegal immigration, border management, pressure on public services and criminal syndicates that exploit the country’s immigration system.

“The right to protest and freedom of expression does not allow people to threaten or intimidate others, or to engage in acts of vandalism or violence,” the President said.

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