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NewsbriefSouth Africa, briefly.
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Durban court lets March and March protest but pauses it for elections

Published

Ongoing: Elections Hot

Judge Peter Olson ruled that the movement's protests must be peaceful and take place between 9am and 3pm from 7 November. The police had asked for a two-week suspension to keep public safety during the local government elections.

The order bans violence, intimidation, looting, property damage, weapons and face coverings at March and March demonstrations. The police said they needed to preserve police manpower to maintain public safety and secure the elections.

The parties return to court on 18 January to argue a final order. Movement leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma urged supporters to "respect the court's decision but to go out in their numbers to vote".

Key facts

Who
Peter Olson (Judge, Durban High Court); Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma (Leader of March and March); March and March (Protest movement)
What
Judge Peter Olson ordered that March and March demonstrations must be peaceful, without violence, intimidation, looting, property damage, weapons or face coverings, and may take place between 9am and 3pm from 7 November. The police had sought a two-week suspension, and the parties return to court on 18 January to argue a final order.
When
30 October 2026
Where
Durban
Status
Reported

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