KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has issued a strong warning against any recurrence of the violent civil unrest that gripped the province in July 2021, cautioning citizens against repeating the cycle of violence and lawlessness ahead of the planned protests on June 30. Speaking at a media briefing, Ntuli emphasized that the province cannot afford to be "set alight a second time," drawing a direct comparison to the devastation wrought by the 2021 riots. His remarks come amid heightened tensions over the government's efforts to manage undocumented foreign nationals, with critics accusing authorities of fostering xenophobia and Afrophobia.
The unrest in July 2021, sparked by disputes over the treatment of foreign nationals, led to widespread violence, looting, and destruction across KwaZulu-Natal. The economic toll was staggering, with initial estimates placing the damage at nearly R20 billion, though subsequent analyses suggested the total cost could exceed R50 billion when considering national impacts. A 2022 Durban business survey revealed that combined losses from stock, machinery, property, and lost sales ranged between R70 billion and R75 billion. Over 40,000 businesses were affected, and approximately 50,000 informal traders faced significant hardship. More than 200 shopping centres were looted or destroyed, with warehouses, factories, pharmacies, ATMs, and post offices among the targets. Within weeks of the riots, up to 150,000 jobs were at risk in KZN, with national assessments indicating that two million jobs were either lost or threatened.
Ntuli highlighted the profound human cost of the unrest, noting that ordinary workers, traders, mothers, and fathers bore the brunt of the chaos. He described the emotional toll of the riots, stating that the province had already endured the pain of loss and would not allow it to resurface. "We buried that pain once. We will not dig that grave again—whether by criminality or by xenophobia," he declared. Ntuli stressed that the government's approach to managing undocumented migration was rooted in lawful and orderly processes rather than hatred or violence. He also dismissed claims that the province was in the grip of xenophobia, asserting that the government's stance was not reactive but part of a broader, sustained effort involving multiple stakeholders.
In preparation for the June 30 protests, Ntuli outlined the province's proactive measures. Under the Engangeni Ngesango Iyafohla initiative, launched in 2024, the government has worked extensively with state and non-state actors, including law enforcement, traditional leaders, faith-based organizations, and civil society. These collaborative efforts have included numerous roundtable discussions and a summit aimed at finding common ground on the issue of unlawful migration. During these engagements, a clear consensus emerged: while the problem of illegal migration needed to be addressed, the right of local residents to protest was not in question. Stakeholders collectively emphasized the importance of peaceful expression and lawful action.
Despite these efforts, recent developments suggest that tensions remain high. On June 23, anti-foreigner marches took place in Boksburg and Ekurhuleni, with some participants engaging in acts of vandalism. Businesses suspected of being operated by foreign nationals were targeted, with graffiti marking doors and storefronts. Although the marches were conducted under police supervision, law enforcement reportedly did not intervene unless serious damage occurred. This lack of decisive action has raised concerns about the potential for further unrest. Meanwhile, the government has reiterated its commitment to maintaining public safety and preventing a repeat of the 2021 riots, warning that those who incite violence will face consequences. As the June 30 deadline approaches, the situation remains volatile, with both the government and activist groups preparing for what could be a critical moment in the ongoing debate over migration policy.
3 reports
IOL (Independent Online)Party-alignedCenterFactual 85Objective 707 days agoKwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli warned against repeating the violent civil unrest of July 2021, which caused over R50 billion in damages nationwide and threatened thousands of jobs. He criticized narratives portraying the province as engulfed in xenophobia and Afrophobia, emphasizing that the government is addressing migration concerns through legal channels rather than hate. Ntuli highlighted the economic toll of the riots, including the loss of over 40,000 businesses and 50,000 informal trader livelihoods, and noted that the Port of Durban and major investors like Toyota South Africa were deeply impacted. He stressed that the province cannot endure another outbreak of violence, as it would further undermine recovery efforts from both the pandemic and past unrest.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of the political and economic implications of the 2021 unrest, focusing on the government's stance and the broader societal impact. While the subject is politically charged, the framing remains objective, citing official figures and acknowledging public fears.
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 70): Factuality is high as the article accurately reports the KZN Premier's warnings and references the 2021 unrest and estimated damages. Objectivity is lower due to potential bias in condemning 'narrative in traditional and social media' and framing the government's stance as proactive rather than reac
Daily MaverickIndependentCenterFactual 80Objective 7513 days agoOn 23 June 2026, anti-foreigner protests took place in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni, South Africa, organized under the banner of an 'anti-crime, drug abuse Boksburg community march.' Participants, accompanied by police, targeted businesses suspected of being owned by foreign nationals, vandalizing properties and spray-painting doors with anti-immigrant slogans. Demonstrators claimed they were inspecting businesses to ensure they employed only South African citizens. While police stated they would intervene only if serious damage occurred, the lack of immediate action raised concerns about law enforcement's approach. This follows broader xenophobic unrest nationwide, which has resulted in deaths and forced many migrants to return to their home countries.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of the events, including quotes from both protesters and police, and highlights the broader context of xenophobic violence without overtly favoring any side. It does not use loaded language or omit significant perspectives.
Why these scores (Factual 80 · Objective 75): Factuality is strong with detailed reporting on the anti-foreigner march, vandalism, and police responses. Objectivity is good as the article presents multiple perspectives including protester statements and police actions without overt bias.
Daily MaverickIndependentCenterFactual 60Objective 5510 days ago WEEKEND WRAP: Trump migration fallout, anti-foreigner marchers, and DA election movesThis article covers multiple stories across different topics. It begins with a report on a Mississippi farmer facing legal action for allegedly paying white South African guest workers higher wages than Black American workers. It then discusses anti-foreigner protests in South Africa, where demonstrators vandalized businesses and demanded immigration inspections despite some compliance with documentation requirements. Another section highlights two South African entrepreneurs offering tools to help consumers save on groceries. The article also mentions political developments within the Democratic Alliance (DA), with leader Geordin Hill-Lewis making strategic moves aimed at regaining support from specific demographics. Additionally, there is coverage of a fuel crisis in Johannesburg affecting essential services and a report on foreign property purchases in Cape Town, suggesting that foreign investment primarily targets high-end properties. Finally, the piece touches on issues related to palliative care and end-of-life decisions in South Africa.
Bias read (Center): While the article includes politically sensitive topics such as migration policies, racial disparities in employment, and political strategies, it presents these issues without overtly favoring any particular ideological stance. The reporting appears balanced, providing context without leaning left,
Why these scores (Factual 60 · Objective 55): Factuality is low as the article mixes unrelated stories about Trump, wage disputes, and political moves without clear connection to the main event. Objectivity is also low due to emotionally charged language around anti-foreigner marches and lack of balance in reporting.
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