uThukela District Municipality Mayor Inkosi NB Shabalala has applauded the residents of Alfred Duma, Inkosi Langalibalele and Okhahlamba local municipalities for exercising their constitutional right to protest peacefully during the marches held yesterday (June 30).

The demonstrations formed part of a nationwide campaign organised by the March and March and other movements, which co-ordinated marches in several towns and cities across South Africa.

Pressure exerted on government

The campaign aimed to pressure national government to deport undocumented foreign nationals and strengthen the country’s immigration laws. The organisers had declared June 30 as the deadline for undocumented immigrants to leave South Africa.

Mayor Shabalala commended everyone for conducting themselves in an orderly manner while respecting the law throughout all the demonstrations.

Memorandums submitted during Ladysmith demonstration

In Alfred Duma Municipality, protesters marched peacefully through Ladysmith’s central business district under close supervision from the SAPS and other law enforcement agencies.

During the march, two memorandums of grievances were submitted. The first was handed over at Ladysmith police station and received by uThukela District Commissioner Gonya. The second was delivered to the local Department of Home Affairs.

After presenting the memorandums, demonstrators continued marching through town before returning to Settlers Park, where the march had begun. There, it ended peacefully without any incidents.

No violence reported in Okhahlamba and Inkosi Langalibalele

The uThukela mayor reported that no violence had taken place in Okhahlamba and Inkosi Langalibalele.

”In Okhahlamba Municipality, businesses in the town centre strengthened security by deploying private security personnel, while SAPS officers maintained a visible presence throughout the day. A small group of protesters marched peacefully under police supervision.

“Meanwhile, in Inkosi Langalibalele Municipality, community members participated in a peaceful march from Ward 18 in Sigodlweni to Estcourt police station. The demonstration ended without violence, looting or any criminal activity, maintaining peace and stability within the community,” said the mayor.

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