{
  "id": 17005273,
  "title": "‘Let it be a vote for progress, for recovery’: Ramaphosa calls for unity and end of looting",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/29/let-it-be-a-vote-for-progress-for-recovery-ramaphosa-calls-for-unity",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-29T04:18:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/elections/ramaphosa-condemns-looting-business-attacks-amid-anti-illegal-immigration-protests/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "President Cyril Ramaphosa has denounced violence, looting, and attacks on businesses during anti-illegal immigration protests, warning that the government will take action to safeguard lives, property, and legitimate enterprises. Speaking at the 170th anniversary gala dinner of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry in KwaZulu-Natal, Ramaphosa cautioned that criminals are seeking to exploit tensions surrounding illegal migration to incite instability and target businesses. He emphasized that attacks on businesses will not be condoned and stressed that concerns over illegal immigration should not be used as a justification for criminal behavior or societal division. \"There are those who are exploiting public sentiment around illegal migration to stir up communities and to provide cover for criminality,\" he stated. The president mentioned recent incidents of looting and vandalism in eThekwini, alongside an ongoing investigation into the murder of a man in the Durban CBD. While characterizing these events as isolated, Ramaphosa assured the public that the government is taking no chances. He authorized the deployment of the South African National Defence Force in the province until the end of November. Ramaphosa painted a picture of a city rebounding and regaining momentum after years of setbacks, including the 2021 unrest and the severe floods that hit KwaZulu-Natal in 2022. He acknowledged the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry for their role in facilitating recovery efforts, praising the collaboration between businesses and government to restore economic activity and repair damaged infrastructure. He cited several indicators of progress, such as R124.5 billion in investment commitments secured at the recent KwaZulu-Natal Investment Conference, rising tourism numbers, and improving employment figures. The Durban Port, which has been recognized as the most improved container port in the world, was highlighted as an example of improving freight rail and port operations. However, Ramaphosa also acknowledged that challenges persist, particularly with service delivery issues, particularly water supply, and a significant infrastructure backlog hindering greater investment and enhanced services for the city's residents. As South Africans prepare to vote on 4 November, Ramaphosa called for unity and urged citizens not to allow divisions to undermine the progress made. \"Let it be a vote for progress. Let it be a vote for recovery. Let it be a vote for shared prosperity for the people of eThekwini,\" he urged.",
  "summary": "Ramaphosa said government was taking no chances.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": "Deploying the military to protect businesses signals a shift toward prioritizing commercial stability and law enforcement as the government attempts to insulate economic recovery from social unrest and political division.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}