Residents and community leaders of Phoenix voice their concerns as the June 30 deadline for undocumented foreign nationals approaches, reflecting on the traumatic events of July 2021 and their desire for peace and stability.
Almost five years after the 2021 riots, the echoes of panic and instability remain fresh in the minds of the community, ahead of the June 30 demonstrations by March and March, a citizen-led movement.
Moulana Mohamed Tariq, chairperson of the Phoenix Spiritual Crime Prevention Forum, said there were concerns within the community about the upcoming planned demonstrations following July 2021.
“I believe that no one in our country wants to see a repeat of what happened during that period. The unrest and looting caused significant hardship and trauma for communities, businesses, and families; and it remains a painful memory for many.
“As a result, members of the community are understandably raising questions and seeking clarity about the current situation. There is a sense of anxiety and concern because people do not want to experience a recurrence of the violence, instability, and destruction that took place. Their concerns stem from a desire for peace, stability, and reassurance that such events will not happen again,” he said.
Image: Supplied
Tariq said the forum was however confident that the relevant authorities have measures in place and are prepared to respond effectively to any potential challenges.
“I believe that both law enforcement and security agencies are actively monitoring the situation and implementing the necessary plans to maintain peace and stability.”
Tariq added that he believed that the increased law enforcement deployment would be beneficial.
“It will ensure that all areas are adequately covered and that communities feel safe and secure.”
Tariq said in regards to the call for undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country, he believed the issue must be approached within the framework of the law.
“Anyone entering South Africa should do so through the proper legal channels and obtain the necessary documentation and permits required to be in the country legally. The issue is not simply about people coming into the country, but rather ensuring that the process is managed in accordance with our legal and immigration frameworks.
“We must also ensure that the rights and safety of all people are respected while addressing the challenges associated with undocumented immigration,” he said.
Vassie Govender, an executive member of the Voice of Phoenix, said while there were concerns raised in the community about the June 30 deadline, he did not believe it would be a repeat of the unrest.
“People are worried, but they are also confident that law enforcement will prevent a repeat of July 2021. We know that law enforcement and local security companies have met and are prepared should there be some unlawful behaviour.
“However, for the most part, the people of Phoenix are law-abiding citizens. There may be a few who will possibly behave unlawfully, but I am sure that law enforcement will be quick to address it,” he said.
Govender said however the situation could have been avoided.
“If the government had dealt with the concerns of the movement earlier then we possibly would not have been in the current situation. This has been ongoing for months, and, instead of R600 million now being used for law enforcement, it could have been used to address issues such as service delivery in communities.”
Val Pillay, interim chairperson of the Phoenix Community Police Forum (CPF), said they received numerous enquiries regarding June 30.
“We would like to reassure the community that SAPS, metro police, and all relevant law enforcement agencies have implemented the necessary precautionary measures and operational plans to ensure the safety and security of our community. Law enforcement agencies remain on high alert and will continue to monitor the situation closely.
“Furthermore, it is important to note that 30 June is not an officially recognised or authorised deadline, and at this stage there is no verified information indicating any imminent threat.
“The Phoenix CPF appeals to all community leaders and residents to verify information before sharing it on social media. We urge everyone to rely only on information received from SAPS, the Phoenix CPF, or other official law enforcement sources,” she said.
Gareth Naidoo, spokesperson for KZN VIP, said there are concerns among some residents and business owners within Phoenix and surrounding areas regarding the potential impact of the planned demonstrations.
“The events of July 2021 remain fresh in the minds of many people, particularly those who were directly affected by the unrest, loss of life, damage to property, disruptions to businesses, and broader impact on community stability.
“As a result, any large-scale protest action naturally raises concerns about the possibility of opportunistic criminal activity, public disorder, and disruptions to daily life,” he said.
Naidoo said at this stage there was no credible intelligence suggesting that a repeat of the July 2021 unrest was imminent.
He added that communities are significantly more prepared, communication structures between stakeholders have improved considerably, and law enforcement agencies together with private security providers are actively monitoring developments.
“In response to the planned demonstrations, security companies, community policing structures, neighbourhood watch groups, business forums, and law enforcement agencies have increased communication and information-sharing efforts.
“Operational plans have been reviewed, response resources have been strategically positioned, and contingency measures have been developed to ensure a rapid response should any incidents arise. The primary objective remains the protection of life, property, and critical infrastructure while ensuring that lawful activities can proceed safely.
“Our message to all residents is to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, continue with normal activities where possible, and report any suspicious or unlawful activity to the relevant authorities. Community cooperation, responsible leadership, and adherence to the rule of law will be key to ensuring that any demonstrations take place peacefully and without incident,” he said.
Sham Maharaj, a community activist and convenor of the Phoenix Ubuntu Forum, said an operations centre has been established and will operate on June 30.
He said the centre will operate the entire day to collect and pass on credible information to the community on activities.
“The centre will be staffed by volunteers which include emergency medics, doctors, trauma counsellors, and social workers. We will also keep in contact with local security companies, SAPS and metro police in order to establish credible information. We hope this initiative will prevent the spread of fake news, especially on social media.”
The centre will be operated from the Phoenix Youth Centre in Whetstone.
Prem Balram, the head of Reaction Unit South Africa, said they would use their Robinson R44 Helicopter to conduct periodic flights across KwaZulu-Natal on June 29 and 30.
“The public need not be concerned by its presence. These flights are solely for monitoring purposes and for sharing critical information with our law enforcement partners,” said Balram.
Should you notice any suspicious activity, please report it immediately to:
- SAPS Emergency: 10111
- Crime Stop: 08600 10111
In addition, contact Phoenix Sub-Forum members:
- Sub-Forum 1 (Whetstone, Redfern, and Mount Royal): Nazeer Bux – 082 795 7556
- Sub-Forum 2 (Broadlands, Campbells, Cardinal Road, Centenary, Greenbury, Mount Edgecombe, Mount Moriah, Southgate, Stonebridge and Rockford): Val Pillay – 083 780 5098 and Reez Khan – 060 482 1795
- Sub-Forum 3 (Units 7, 8, 9, Plaza and Starwood): Esay Gounden – 072 930 4109 and Vicky Goordeen – 073 864 0409
- Sub-Forum 4 (Units 15, 17, 18, 20, 21 and Woodview): Luke Sundar – 082 444 4936 and Vincent Pillay – 082 296 2201
- Sub-Forum 5 (Palmview, Trenance Manor and Sastri Park): Val Pillay – 083 780 5098 and Nazeer Bux – 082 795 7556
- Sub-Forum 6 (Parts of Northcroft, Westham, and Lenham): Vicky Goordeen – 073 864 0409
