Durban – KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli has defended his decision to request the deployment of the army following violent protests against undocumented foreign nationals, saying he will not allow the province to experience another period of deadly unrest.
Ntuli has faced criticism over the decision, but said protecting lives, businesses, jobs and public infrastructure was more important than political popularity.
“I carry the responsibility to protect life and property. That responsibility is not subject to a popularity barometer,” he said.
“Those who observed the July 2021 riots would remember the deadly chaos spread very fast. We learnt a lesson from that. KwaZulu-Natal will never be allowed to burn again.”
The protests erupted last week following a Constitutional Court ruling concerning the right of people to apply for asylum, regardless of their documentation status. The unrest was accompanied by looting and the torching of vehicles.
Ntuli said the province could not afford a repeat of the July 2021 unrest, which caused widespread damage and cost thousands of people their jobs.
“In 2021, more than 30,000 people in the province lost jobs due to the unrest. Who must allow that to happen again? We need to protect these jobs and restore our economy,” he said.
The premier said he was prepared to make difficult decisions to maintain stability, even if they proved unpopular with some voters.
WATCH: KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli defends his decision to call for the deployment of army in Durban to handle protests. https://t.co/PLcIhh4zZf
— Sihle Mavuso (@ZANewsFlash) October 13, 2026
“If there are people who say they want to loot and then say I must get out of their way so they can vote for me, they can keep their votes. People must vote [for leaders who] serve them with integrity and truth,” he said.
Ntuli maintained that undocumented foreign nationals should return to their countries of origin, but stressed that immigration enforcement must take place within the law.
Mavava Sikhakhane says he is unhappy with Thami Ntuli’s decision to deploy soldiers against the people of Durban. He claims that this move is disrupting the IFP’s plans as the party campaigns for the November elections. https://t.co/3EWDoy48nd
— Ntokozo Masuku (@visse_ss) October 12, 2026
“But the law must be followed nonetheless, there must be no violence or destroying of infrastructure,” he said.
His comments come amid heightened tensions over immigration enforcement in KwaZulu-Natal, where protests have raised concerns about public safety, damage to businesses and the protection of people’s rights.
Ntuli said his priority remained preventing further violence and protecting the province’s residents and economy.
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Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi
