E-hailing drivers and food riders back the March and March movement in full force

E-hailing drivers and food delivery riders joined forces in Durban on Wednesday afternoon, embarking on a major motorcade demonstration as part of ongoing anti-illegal immigration protests organized by the March and March movement. The high-visibility procession saw dozens of vehicles, delivery scooters, and transport operators rolling through key urban corridors, creating significant operational traffic and drawing intense public attention across the eThekwini metropolitan area.

The motorcade forms a key component of a broader, sustained campaign led by the March and March movement aimed at putting pressure on municipal authorities and national government departments. Organizers arranged the vehicular demonstration to highlight grievances concerning foreign nationals operating within the gig-economy transport and food delivery sectors without valid documentation, driving permits, or local municipal clearance. Local operators participating in the convoy argue that the proliferation of unvetted, foreign gig-workers undercuts domestic pricing, circumvents labor regulations, and poses security risks to both passengers and consumers.

Gathering at strategic staging points near the city center, including the Berea Centre precinct, the convoy moved slowly along primary thoroughfares, honking horns and displaying banners advocating for strict border controls, local labor prioritization, and rigorous regulatory enforcement. Movement leadership emphasized that the motorcade was scheduled for the late afternoon specifically to minimize disruption to school commutes and matriculation examinations, while still delivering a clear message to municipal leaders and commercial gig platforms.

Law enforcement agencies, including the eThekwini Metro Police and the South African Police Service (SAPS), deployed tactical officers and traffic units along major routes to monitor the motorcade, divert traffic where necessary, and ensure public order was maintained throughout the demonstration. While officials noted that formal municipal permits were not processed through standard administrative channels prior to the march, authorities maintained a heavy presence to prevent outbreaks of violence or destruction of public property.

The Wednesday motorcade underscores the growing convergence between gig-economy transport unions and grassroots civil formations in KwaZulu-Natal. As local drivers and delivery riders continue to align themselves with broader anti-immigration movements, organizers warn that similar mobilizations will continue across the province until government entities enforce strict compliance, audit digital transport platforms, and address the socioeconomic concerns of South African workers.

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