Tensions ran high outside Durban’s Diakonia Centre when foreign nationals and locals clashed, with police required to restore calm. The situation unfolded on Thursday as more than 100 predominantly Congolese nationals sought refuge at the centre on Diakonia Avenue, a well-known place of safety for foreign nationals, after reportedly facing threats linked to escalating protests against undocumented migrants in Durban.
The protests were led by members of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party and the March and March movement, who arrived at the centre and initially staged a relatively calm protest. However, the situation quickly descended into chaos as protesters and foreign nationals clashed in the street. As tensions intensified, Durban Metro Police officers attempted to defuse the volatile situation.
Government Intervention
Officials from the Department of Home Affairs were dispatched to the centre, where they joined discussions with representatives from the Premier’s Office in an effort to address the mounting crisis. eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba also arrived at the centre and was met with cheers from sections of the crowd calling for peace. No further flare-ups were reported as protesters later engaged in singing and dancing on one side of the street, while the refugees observed silently from across the road under a heavy metro police presence.
The ANC provincial spokesperson, Sifiso Sonjica, said earlier this week that the current situation reflected the growing complexity surrounding illegal immigration. Sonjica stated that the issue required a coordinated response involving government institutions, the private sector, non-governmental organisations, human rights advocates, traditional leaders, and religious communities. He said the challenge extended beyond law enforcement and demanded collaboration across sectors to develop long-term solutions to what the party described as an increasingly complex issue.
ANC Call for Action
Sonjica stressed that South Africa’s constitutional values must be upheld while condemning violence and lawlessness. He said, ‘South Africa is a constitutional democracy founded on the rule of law, equality, and human dignity. As such, the ANC condemns acts of violence and lawlessness by anyone, irrespective of their immigration status.’ The ANC also raised concerns about illegal immigration, undocumented foreign nationals, criminal syndicates, illegal trading activities, and the disregard for the country’s laws.
According to the South African Government website, the country has a long history of immigration, with many foreign nationals contributing to the economy and society. However, the issue of undocumented migrants has been a contentious one, with many calling for stricter border control and more effective enforcement of immigration laws. The Wikipedia page on immigration to South Africa provides more information on the topic.
Some of the key issues surrounding undocumented migrants in Durban include:
- Access to employment and social services
- Integration into local communities
- Concerns about crime and public safety
- The need for effective border control and immigration enforcement
The situation at the Diakonia Centre highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the complex issues surrounding undocumented migrants in Durban. It requires a coordinated effort from government, civil society, and the private sector to develop long-term solutions that balance the needs of all stakeholders.
