Thami Ntuli Vows To Protect Businesses And Jobs in Durban Saying it Will Never Burn on His Watch

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli has vowed to protect Durban’s businesses, factories, port operations and livelihoods, declaring that the city will not be allowed to experience the widespread destruction and economic devastation witnessed during previous periods of unrest.

Ntuli delivered a strong message of determination, stressing that protecting the economic heart of KwaZulu-Natal was a responsibility he would take seriously while serving in office.

“Durban will never burn on my watch. Not again. Not while I hold this office. We will protect every factory, every shop, every port and every livelihood in this city, because to burn Durban is to burn the bread of millions,” Ntuli said.

His remarks underline the importance of maintaining stability in Durban, a major economic centre that supports thousands of businesses and provides employment to people across the province and beyond.

The city is home to the Port of Durban, one of South Africa’s most important commercial gateways, connecting local industries and businesses to international markets. Any major disruption to port operations, manufacturing, retail activity or transport networks could have serious consequences for the provincial and national economy.

Ntuli’s comments also evoke memories of the July 2021 unrest, when widespread looting, arson and violence affected parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. Durban and surrounding areas were among the hardest hit, with shopping centres, warehouses, factories and other commercial facilities damaged or destroyed.

The unrest caused significant economic losses, disrupted supply chains and placed thousands of jobs at risk. Businesses took months or years to recover, while many workers and communities faced the consequences of lost income and damaged infrastructure.

Against this background, Ntuli’s pledge places economic protection and public safety at the centre of his message.

His reference to factories, shops and the port highlights the interconnected nature of Durban’s economy. Manufacturing facilities depend on functioning transport networks, retailers rely on stable supply chains, and port activities support businesses throughout the country.

Any renewed wave of violence or destruction could therefore affect far more than the immediate areas where incidents occur.

Ntuli’s declaration also sends a message to business owners, investors and workers that government has a responsibility to safeguard economic activity and prevent criminal elements from exploiting periods of tension.

However, turning that commitment into reality will require effective policing, intelligence gathering, cooperation between government and communities, and swift action against those responsible for violence and destruction.

Protecting businesses will also depend on addressing the social and economic pressures that leave communities vulnerable during periods of instability.

For Durban, the stakes are considerable. The city’s economic strength supports livelihoods across KwaZulu-Natal, making stability essential for employment, investment and long-term development.

Ntuli’s message is clear: the destruction of Durban’s economy cannot be allowed to happen again. The challenge will be ensuring that the promise of protection is backed by effective measures capable of keeping residents, businesses and critical infrastructure safe.