A large police contingent has been deployed outside Durban City Hall ahead of a planned march by the anti-undocumented immigration movement March and March on Monday.
The group is expected to march to raise concerns about undocumented migrants and deliver its grievances to leaders attending the 46th Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit at the Durban International Convention Centre.
March and March activists say they want to use the demonstration to draw the attention of SADC leaders to what they describe as the challenges posed by undocumented immigration in South Africa.
Activist Theresa Nortjie criticised President Cyril Ramaphosa’s handling of the issue, questioning what she described as a delayed response to the influx of undocumented migrants.
Nortjie said the group wanted the president and other regional leaders to hear their concerns directly.
The activists also intend to present what they say is evidence of threats they have received.
“We are here to make a stand. We want them to hear us, and we want to give them all the proof that we have of the threats that we have received,” Nortjie said.
She further argued that undocumented foreign nationals should not be allowed to remain in the country without legal status, describing the situation as a crime.
The march comes as Durban hosts the 46th SADC Summit, bringing together regional leaders and senior government officials to discuss issues affecting the region.
Police have maintained a visible presence in the city as authorities prepare to manage protests and other public gatherings during the summit period.
Law enforcement agencies have said peaceful and lawful demonstrations will be respected, while warning that criminal activity, intimidation and attempts to breach restricted areas will not be tolerated.