March and March protestors in the Durban CBD as police monitor the scene.
RELIGIOUS leaders are advocating for calm and compassion as tensions rise over undocumented immigration. They emphasise the importance of unity and understanding in addressing complex socio-economic issues.
Reverend Cyril Pillay, head of the Spiritual Crime Prevention Forum, said the question of how South Africa should manage undocumented migration, and the role of civic protests like those organised by March and March, involved complex legal, ethical, and socio-economic arguments.
“People hold strongly contrasting views on both sides of this issue. Proponents of stricter immigration controls and protest movements often argue that large scale undocumented migration strains public infrastructure, including healthcare, housing, and schools.
“From this viewpoint, civic protests are seen as a legitimate way to pressure the government to enforce existing immigration laws, protect national sovereignty, and prioritise economic opportunities for citizens,” Pillay added.
