DURBAN, South Africa — The 46th Ordinary Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit, set to convene on August 17, 2026, in Durban, is under increased security scrutiny due to the planned protest by the March and March movement.
The group, known for its stance on undocumented foreign nationals, plans to demonstrate outside the summit venue, the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC), under the theme ‘It’s time to fetch your people’. They warn that heads of state must prepare for mass deportations by September 30th, though the specifics of their plan remain unclear. South Africa, currently experiencing a rise in anti-migrant protests and vigilantism, finds itself at the center of these tensions.
The country’s approach to migration, including its support for a continental dialogue on the issue, is under the spotlight.
As regional authorities urge for a solutions — oriented regional exchange, the summit offers a critical moment for member states to discuss the root causes of xenophobia and the economic pressures that fuel it. Law enforcement has heightened security measures in Durban to protect heads of state and delegates, aiming to prevent disruptions to the summit.
The March and March movement’s involvement signals a potential challenge to the summit’s primary focus on resilient, sustainable, and inclusive industrialization, redirecting attention to the pressing issue of migration within the region.
As the summit approaches, the world awaits the outcomes of discussions on regional solidarity and a coordinated approach to tackling the root causes of xenophobia.
The summit’s response to these challenges could have significant implications for the region’s approach to migration and integration. KICKER: The SADC summit is poised to address the issue of xenophobia directly, with a focus on fostering regional unity and cooperation.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: enca
Source: Nokuthula Khanyile
