Authorities are closely monitoring several protest actions that have erupted across parts of KwaZulu-Natal, with road closures and traffic disruptions reported in several areas on Wednesday.
On the province's north coast, roads in Nonoti and Doringkop near KwaDukuza were blocked with burning tyres, causing significant disruptions to traffic.
Local councillor Aresh Singh said the protest is unrelated to the anti-immigration demonstrations taking place elsewhere in the province and is instead linked to concerns within the taxi industry.
According to Singh, disgruntled taxi operators are protesting over issues related to road permits.
He said the demonstration intensified on Wednesday morning, with protesters reportedly blocking roads over extended stretches and cutting down trees as they moved through the area.
"This morning, they intensified the protest by blocking roads over approximately one-kilometre stretches. As they moved, they were cutting down trees. SAPS was initially present in limited numbers, but public order policing units have since been deployed and are now on the scene in greater numbers," Singh said.
He added that the group appeared to be moving in the direction of the central business district.
Meanwhile, in Durban, a separate group of demonstrators was seen marching along Inanda Road towards Springfield Park.
According to Kevin Singh from Civil Protection Services, the march remained peaceful on Wednesday morning, although private security companies and law enforcement officers were on standby should the situation escalate.
Singh said the demonstrators were primarily local residents calling for employment opportunities and the removal of undocumented foreign nationals from businesses in the area.
He said many of the participants were from the Kenville, Boxwood and Gumtree Road informal settlements.
In a separate incident, the R603 in Umbumbulu was closed due to protest action, prompting authorities to advise motorists to make use of alternative routes.
Law enforcement agencies continue to monitor all affected areas as efforts are made to maintain public order and ensure the safety of motorists and residents.