Monday, October 12, 2026English edition
EN FRTry Talia free
TheBinational

Country risk, from the local press

South Africa · Country watch

Durban Protests Persist, Home Affairs Faces Criticism

Protests over immigration policies continue in Durban, while Home Affairs offices face scrutiny for poor service.

· · 6 sources

The picture Deteriorating

Business conditions in South Africa are deteriorating due to ongoing protests over immigration policies and inefficiencies at Home Affairs, affecting operations and safety.

In this briefing Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) · KwaZulu-Natal · Puleng Dimpane · South African Police Service · Gauteng · Durban

Regulation

Nothing significant reported today.

Disruption

  • public-sector

Home Affairs Faces Criticism for Long Queues

Vue du KwaZulu-Natal en Afrique du Sud.
Vue du KwaZulu-Natal en Afrique du Sud. South African Tourism from South Africa, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

South Africa's Home Affairs offices have been criticized for long queues, appointment delays, and system failures, according to IOL. A nationwide analysis of Google reviews revealed that four offices in KwaZulu-Natal rank among the ten lowest-rated in the country. Despite these issues, the Ndwedwe office is noted as one of the best-rated. Complaints highlight the ongoing challenges faced by residents in accessing essential services, impacting daily operations and public satisfaction.

Impact Residents and businesses relying on Home Affairs services face delays and inefficiencies, affecting administrative processes.

Sources: IOL ↗

Internal tension

  • public-sector

30 Arrested in Violent Anti-Immigration Protests

Johannesburg South Africa
Johannesburg South Africa Mark Hillary, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Protests against South Africa's immigration policies have turned violent in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, resulting in 30 arrests, according to IOL. Acting National Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Puleng Dimpane warned against violence and intimidation as police remain on high alert across the country. Demonstrations have erupted over the government's asylum policies, with tensions escalating in recent days. The authorities are working to maintain order as unrest continues to disrupt local communities and businesses.

Impact Employers in affected areas face operational disruptions due to ongoing protests and potential safety concerns for staff.

Sources: IOL ↗

Safety & health

  • public-sector

Durban's Calm After Protests Raises Concerns

Durban from the Balcony
Durban from the Balcony Dennis Sylvester Hurd, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Durban experienced a tense calm after recent anti-immigrant violence, with concerns about the state's ability to maintain order, reports Daily Maverick. The Pirates-Sundowns MTN8 final proceeded without incident, but the city had faced two days of arson, looting, and attacks linked to anti-immigrant sentiment. Authorities are under pressure to ensure safety and stability as the potential for further unrest looms.

Impact Businesses and residents in Durban remain cautious as safety concerns persist, potentially affecting operations and community stability.

Sources: Daily Maverick ↗

Companies

Nothing significant reported today.

Markets

Nothing significant reported today.

Trade

Nothing significant reported today.

Politics

Nothing significant reported today.

Also today in South Africa

Sources in this briefing

Sources: each headline links to the original article on the publisher's site.

All South Africa briefings →

The same day elsewhere