Motorists are advised to steer clear of Durban’s CBD on Tuesday as significant road closures and traffic disruptions are anticipated during a march against illegal immigration.
The march, organised by the March and March Movement together with civic groups and community formations opposing illegal immigration, is expected to draw participants from across Durban and surrounding areas.
Durban Metro Police said the march would begin at 10am from King Dinuzulu Park before proceeding along Dr Pixley KaSeme Street and Gillespie Street, ending at the SAPS Point Police Station.
Traffic officers and law enforcement personnel will be deployed along the route to manage congestion, maintain public order and assist motorists affected by temporary closures.
Motorists have been advised to plan ahead, use alternative routes where possible and expect delays while the procession is under way.
The confirmed route follows discussions between organisers and the municipality over the march’s endpoint.
Durban Metro Police spokesperson Colonel Boysie Zungu previously said an agreement was reached on the starting point at King Dinuzulu Park, but differences emerged over the proposed endpoint at the Old Drive-In site, where thousands of foreign nationals are being processed for voluntary repatriation.
“We agreed on the starting point of the march, which will be King Dinuzulu Park. Where we disagree is on the end point,” Zungu said.
The municipality raised concerns that allowing protesters to converge at the Old Drive-In site could pose safety risks due to the large number of people gathered there. The march was subsequently approved to end at SAPS Point Police Station.
The traffic advisory comes as KwaZulu-Natal police have identified eThekwini and uMgungundlovu as key hotspots ahead of the nationwide demonstrations, with additional monitoring planned along the N3 corridor near Mooi River due to its importance to freight and commuter movement.
Speaking during a provincial state of readiness briefing last week, Acting KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Major General Phumelele Makoba said the scale of planned demonstrations across the province would place significant pressure on law enforcement resources.
“eThekwini district is one of our hotspots. uMgungundlovu is one of our hotspots,” Makoba said.
The Durban march forms part of coordinated demonstrations taking place across South Africa over illegal immigration. Authorities have reiterated that while peaceful protest was protected by the Constitution, any violence, intimidation or damage to property would not be tolerated.
Businesses and commuters have been urged to monitor official traffic updates and comply with instructions from law enforcement officers throughout the day.
