The National Freedom Party (NFP) in KwaZulu-Natal has rejected the deployment of soldiers to Durban following escalating anti-illegal immigration protests, accusing provincial Premier Thami Ntuli of responding to public frustration with military force instead of addressing the concerns driving the demonstrations.
In a statement issued on Sunday, 11 October, the NFP criticised Ntuli’s decision to deploy the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in support of police operations, arguing that the protests reflect growing public dissatisfaction with immigration enforcement, unemployment and the handling of asylum applications.
The party has thrown its weight behind the March and March movement, an anti-illegal immigration campaign that has been demanding stricter enforcement of immigration laws and action against people who are in South Africa unlawfully.
The demonstrations intensified around the Department of Home Affairs’ refugee reception office on Che Guevara Road in Durban, where the processing of asylum applications became a flashpoint between protesters and authorities.
The unrest escalated as demonstrators raised concerns about illegal immigration and the perceived pressure on employment opportunities and public resources.
However, violence, damage to property and the burning of vehicles prompted authorities to intensify their response.
Ntuli subsequently called for military assistance as police faced mounting pressure to contain the unrest and restore order in affected areas.
“In fact, I have already spoken to the acting Police Minister to say the situation requires that the army is deployed in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. I think they are processing my request because I have already requested for the army to be deployed,” Ntuli told SABC News on Friday.
The NFP, however, maintains that the deployment of soldiers is an inappropriate response to the grievances raised by protesters.
“The deployment of soldiers to harass and attempt to dismantle the marches is a true call of a leadership incapacity in the making,” the party said in its statement, criticising the provincial government’s handling of the demonstrations.
The party also called for the March and March protests to continue until the movement’s demands are addressed. It further opposed the processing of asylum applications by people it regards as illegal immigrants and accused police of brutality towards protesters while showing leniency towards foreign nationals.
Magolide’s arrest adds to tensions
The protests took another turn on Saturday, 10 October, when Sphelele Shinga, also known as Shitafu Magolide, a prominent figure associated with the March and March movement, was arrested in Durban.
Police alleged that Magolide had threatened to disrupt the MTN8 final between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Authorities said he had gathered a group at King Dinizulu Park with the intention of marching towards the stadium.
His arrest came as law enforcement agencies worked to prevent further disruptions amid growing tensions surrounding the demonstrations.
Police also reported a series of arrests linked to the unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, with alleged offences including public violence, malicious damage to property, illegal gatherings and obstruction.
Magolide was subsequently reported to have been released on warning.
Asylum applications at the centre of the dispute
The unrest has also placed the government’s handling of asylum applications under renewed scrutiny.
The dispute intensified after a Constitutional Court ruling opened access to the asylum application process for people who had previously encountered procedural barriers.
The ruling did not automatically grant refugee status or permanent residence; individual applications remain subject to assessment under the law.
The implementation of the changes contributed to growing tensions around refugee reception facilities, where protesters have demanded stronger immigration controls and action against people they believe are abusing the asylum system.
As the situation deteriorated, the National Department of Home Affairs withdrew a controversial directive relating to the processing of asylum applications.
The dispute highlights the challenge facing government; enforcing immigration laws, managing asylum applications and protecting the rights of people seeking refuge while responding to communities demanding more effective border control and immigration enforcement.
