Traffic in central Durban was heavily disrupted on Monday, 24 March 2025, as hundreds of protesters marched to Durban City Hall to submit a memorandum calling for tighter border control and action against illegal immigration.
Protesters march to Durban City Hall over illegal immigration
The demonstration, known as the March in March campaign, was organised by radio personality Jacinta Ngobese Zuma and supported by various political parties including ActionSA, the African Transformation Movement (ATM), and the National Freedom Party (NFP).
Protesters gathered at King Dinuzulu Gardens from 09:00 before proceeding through the city towards City Hall.
The march aimed to highlight what organisers described as government inaction on undocumented foreign nationals and the perceived impact on jobs, crime, and public resources.
According to Ngobese Zuma, the campaign is a direct response to growing frustration among South Africans who feel neglected by current immigration policies.
Ngobese Zuma stated:
“We feel it’s high time the government took this matter seriously and deported them. We invite everyone who’s against the actions of immigrants who are here illegally to join hands with us.”
She added that the protest was not affiliated with any political party and encouraged participants not to wear any party regalia, insisting her message was not xenophobic but focused on government accountability.
City officials have yet to respond formally to the memorandum.
Motorists travelling through Durban’s city centre on Monday experienced significant delays as the protest made its way to City Hall. Key routes around Botha’s Hill, Warwick Triangle, and central Durban were affected, with congestion reported from early morning as demonstrators moved through major intersections.
Metro police officers were deployed to manage traffic flow and ensure the safety of both drivers and march participants. Temporary road closures were implemented around King Dinuzulu Gardens and the Durban City Hall precinct.
Although no violent incidents were reported, authorities urged drivers to use alternative routes to avoid delays and confirmed that the march concluded without disruption to property or pedestrians.
Public transport operators also rerouted some services, with taxi associations reporting changes to collection points near the city centre due to blocked roads.
Businesses located near the protest route reported a drop in foot traffic for the morning and early afternoon.
By early afternoon, most roads had reopened, and traffic began to ease, though some residual congestion remained in areas directly surrounding City Hall.
The city’s traffic department said updates would be provided if further demonstrations occur in the coming days.
