Regional leaders are convening in Durban for the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) 46th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government. A significant police and private security presence has been mobilized around Durban City Hall in anticipation of protests against immigration policies, with police confirming three arrests related to security breaches. The March and March movement, which organized a demonstration aimed at calling for the deportation of undocumented foreigners by September 2026, had planned to march from City Hall to the convention center hosting the summit. Police estimated a turnout of approximately 3,000 protesters but noted that the security presence far outweighed the number of demonstrators. Authorities have implemented strict access controls to ensure safety during the summit attended by several regional leaders.
Why It Matters
The SADC summit is a critical platform for discussing regional cooperation and addressing pressing issues, including immigration and security. The March and March movement’s protests reflect ongoing tensions surrounding immigration policies in South Africa, particularly concerning undocumented foreigners. Prior to this summit, South Africa has faced various challenges related to migration, including public sentiment against foreign nationals due to economic pressures. The deployment of police and security personnel underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining order during high-profile events and responding to public concerns about safety and immigration.
