Durban traders report mounting losses as Home Affairs protests continue
Businesses near Durban’s Refugee Reception Centre say ongoing March and March protests on Che Guevara Road have reduced customer numbers, disrupted trading and put pressure on staff wages.
Durban traders are experiencing mounting losses as protests against Home Affairs continue outside the refugee reception centre on Che Guevara Road. These anti-illegal immigration demonstrations, initiated by March and March, have drastically reduced customer numbers and disrupted business operations. Mike Rockey, owner of Battery Centre, stated that the protests have crippled his business, making it difficult to pay staff and maintain profitability.
Similar sentiments were echoed by Mohammed Shah, owner of Moore Road Cosmetics, who expressed concern over the inability to afford full salaries for his employees due to dwindling sales. The protests have been ongoing for four months, causing significant financial distress for local businesses. Concurrently, thousands of foreign nationals have been processing documentation at the Department of Home Affairs due to the recent Constitutional Court ruling that reopened South Africa's asylum system to new applicants.
March and March activist Zandile Mthethwa defended the protests, stating that the aim is to protect the country from illegal foreigners. The police presence on Che Guevara Road has grown due to concerns over vandalism and looting, with Colonel Boysie Zungu of Durban Metro Police emphasizing the need to maintain high visibility and prevent unlawful activities.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
