A Durban high court on Friday gave the anti‑immigrant March and March movement permission to continue its rallies, but ordered the protests to be confined to a narrow time window and to exclude weapons, face‑coverings and any property damage. The decision follows a government request for an injunction after a series of violent demonstrations left at least one foreign national dead.
Key facts
- The court limited marches to the hours between 9 am and 3 pm.
- Participants may not carry weapons, wear masks, or set fire to buildings.
- Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia filed the application, citing threats to public order.
- President Cyril Ramaphosa previously deployed over 500 soldiers to assist police after a fatal mob attack.
- The matter is slated for a further hearing next year.
What prompted the court case?
The government argued that the anti‑migrant demonstrations, organised by the March and March movement, had escalated into lawlessness, endangering both South Africans and foreign nationals. Police intelligence suggested a plot to burn the Home Affairs Refugee Reception Centre in Durban's Berea suburb, prompting the legal action.
What restrictions did the judge impose?
Judge Peter Olsen ruled that the movement could march only between 9 am and 3 pm. Demonstrators are barred from carrying any weapons, covering their faces, destroying property, or igniting fires. The court emphasized that these conditions aim to protect public safety while respecting constitutional protest rights.
How did the protesters react?
Hundreds gathered outside the high court, chanting and holding placards that read “reclaim our country.” Supporters from parties such as ActionSA and the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, led by former president Jacob Zuma, also attended. The crowd waved sticks, and police maintained a close presence.
What did the movement say?
Legal representative Xolani Zuma told reporters that the movement’s agenda is to “silence the people,” accusing the government of trying to curb legitimate dissent. He added, “The real problem are illegal immigrants who are here in the country and terrorising people.”
What is the broader context?
The protests come weeks before South Africa’s local elections on November 4, with populist groups claiming migrants are taking jobs and services from citizens. Police records indicate at least five foreign nationals have been killed in anti‑migrant violence this year, though some African governments report higher figures. The unrest has been amplified by misinformation about a July Constitutional Court ruling that asylum seekers cannot be denied access to the asylum system on procedural grounds.
The court’s decision reflects a delicate balance between safeguarding constitutional freedoms and preventing further violence as the nation heads toward a crucial electoral period.