March And March protestors seen in the Durban CBD as police monitor the the scene.
Image: Doctor Ngcobo/Independent Newspapers
“There is no xenophobia in KwaZulu-Natal.”
This is according to KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli who delivered a keynote address at the 2026 KZN Jobs and Skills Summit at the Durban ICC on Tuesday.
Ntuli addressed the ongoing discussions in Africa and globally regarding the issue of xenophobia, which has been allegedly occurring in KZN.
This followed reports that United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres had expressed deep concern over reports of xenophobic violence in parts of South Africa, particularly in KZN. He warned that attacks against migrants and foreign nationals threaten the country’s democratic values and social stability.
The premier unequivocally said there is no xenophobia in the province.
Last week, a confrontation erupted in the Durban CBD between foreign nationals and locals, leading to property damage and injuries.
Image: Doctor Ngcobo / Independent Newspapers
“I know that what we see there is a demonstration of civic society or organisations that are saying we are worried about people who are coming to South Africa without documents, calling for them to go back and get proper documents,” Ntuli said.
He said even the government is working to fix the problem, reiterating that there is no xenophobia in KZN.
However, he expressed concern about the criminal element invading the space and using the demonstrations for criminal behaviour.
“And even for the demonstrations, they can’t be every day. It's acceptable to express a message or statement occasionally, but frequent demonstrations can project instability,” Ntuli said.
“It’s even worse when there’s confrontation and conflict. It presents a government that has instability or violence.”
The premier’s message comes a week after KZN police reminded those who stage protests, plan, organise, or participate in marches to do so within the parameters of the law.
KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said provincial police management will soon hold a meeting with the organisers of the marches to reach a common understanding and provide assistance and clarity where needed.
“It is illegal for a foreigner to be in the country without proper documentation; however, only mandated law enforcement officers can arrest undocumented foreign nationals and detain them pending deportation processes,” Netshiunda said.
He said police manned several marches in Durban and other parts of the province, which are mainly targeted at foreign nationals.
According to Netshiunda, there were video clips on social media showing lawlessness during some marches. At the time, several shops, both South African- and foreign-owned, were closed after threats of violence from march participants.
The Embassy of Zimbabwe in South Africa and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) have meanwhile issued urgent safety advisories to their nationals following reports of violent anti-foreigner demonstrations across several South African cities.
"The Consulate of Zimbabwe in Johannesburg and Cape Town have received reports of disturbing demonstrations that are targeting foreign nationals," said the embassy.
These incidents pose a serious risk to the safety and well-being of Zimbabwean nationals residing in South Africa, they added.
"The government of Zimbabwe is committed to ensuring safety, dignity and well-being of its nationals."
Zimbabwean nationals have been advised to remain vigilant and avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place. They have also been urged to stay indoors and limit unplanned movement.
"Report any incidents to the local South African Police Services (SAPS), Embassy and the Consulates of Zimbabwe in Johannesburg and Cape Town."
They were further instructed to keep essential documents with them at all times.
NiDCOM also appealed to Nigerians in the country to exercise extreme caution. The commission advised all Nigerian citizens to avoid any confrontation with protesters and to refrain from engaging with demonstration groups.
Cape Times