NATJOINTS Warns of Crackdown on SADC Summit Disruptions: A Test of Black Solidarity in Durban

As Durban prepares to host the 46th Ordinary SADC Summit, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has issued a stern warning: any attempt to disrupt the gathering of 12 Heads of State and Government will be met with the full force of the law. For Rainbow Report, this summit is not just a diplomatic event but a moment to reflect on the unfinished business of African liberation and the ongoing struggle against colonial and apartheid legacies.

Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, the Deputy National Commissioner for Policing in the South African Police Service (SAPS) and chairperson of NATJOINTS, made it clear during a media briefing in Durban on Tuesday that security forces are fully prepared. 'Let me be unequivocal: the disruption of the 46th SADC Ordinary Summit will not be allowed,' she stated. While acknowledging the constitutional right to peaceful protest, Mosikili warned that criminal acts, intimidation, property damage, or any threat to the international event would be dealt with decisively.

This summit, taking place from August 3 to an unspecified date, is a crucial platform for advancing African unity and economic sovereignty. Yet, the warning comes against a backdrop of heightened tensions, where the right to protest is often pitted against the need for order. For Black South Africans, this raises critical questions: Who defines what constitutes a 'disruption'? And whose interests are being protected?

Security Operations Already Under Way

Mosikili confirmed that NATJOINTS operations began on August 3, with no security incidents reported so far. 'This is a clear demonstration that the security apparatus of South Africa is equal to the task,' she said. The deployment extends beyond the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) to include accommodation facilities, routes, side events, and public spaces. Notably, the security plan also covers rugby and soccer matches taking place during the summit period.

But for a publication that centers Black South African experiences, the question remains: Are these security measures being used to silence legitimate dissent, particularly from communities still grappling with the scars of apartheid? The SADC Summit is an opportunity to showcase African leadership, but it must not become a fortress that excludes the very people it claims to represent.

Planned Marches and Demonstrations: A Right Under Threat?

NATJOINTS is aware of planned marches and demonstrations. Mosikili noted that most marches over the past two to three months have been peaceful, though some were marred by criminality. She commended those who protest responsibly but urged organizers to comply with the law. This is a delicate balance: the right to protest is a hard-won victory of the anti-apartheid struggle, and any attempt to curtail it must be scrutinized.

For Rainbow Report, the issue is not about lawlessness but about ensuring that the voices of Black South Africans are heard. The summit's focus on regional integration and development must include the perspectives of workers, students, and communities who face daily economic violence. The state's readiness to crack down on disruptions must not become a tool to suppress these voices.

Accreditation Warning: A Case of Exclusion?

Mosikili revealed that a Zimbabwean foreign national was arrested for allegedly attempting to obtain accreditation fraudulently. The man claimed to be a performing artist whose documents were stolen. 'No accreditation, no access,' she warned, adding that accreditation is not transferable. While security is paramount, this incident highlights the challenges faced by African artists and workers who often navigate bureaucratic hurdles to participate in events that celebrate their culture.

For Rainbow Report, this is a reminder of the systemic barriers that Black Africans face, even in spaces meant to foster unity. The SADC Summit should be a platform for cultural exchange and economic collaboration, not a fortress that excludes those who are most vulnerable.

Security Resources Deployed: A Show of Force or a Tool for Control?

Mosikili said specialized units and maximum resources have been deployed, including intelligence, crime prevention, and public order policing. 'All security agencies are working together under the NATJOINTS framework,' she said. While this ensures safety, it also raises concerns about over-policing, particularly in Black communities. The history of apartheid-era security forces looms large, and any heavy-handed approach must be avoided.

Road closures and traffic disruptions are expected, with Mosikili urging cooperation. 'These closures are necessary security measures,' she said. But for residents of Durban, many of whom are Black and working-class, these disruptions can be a burden. The state must ensure that security does not come at the expense of everyday life.

'You Are Safe in South Africa': A Message of Ubuntu or a Warning?

Mosikili called on South Africans to welcome delegates with 'warmth, hospitality, and Ubuntu.' 'Our message to those attending the Summit is simple: you are safe in South Africa,' she said. But this message of safety must extend to all Black South Africans, who still face systemic violence and economic exclusion. The summit is an opportunity to demonstrate that South Africa is not just a safe haven for diplomats but a home for all its people.

For Rainbow Report, the SADC Summit is a moment to reaffirm Black solidarity across the continent. But it must also be a moment to hold leaders accountable. The warning against disruptions is a reminder that the struggle for true liberation continues. As Mosikili said, 'We are ready. We are watching. We will act.' The question is: Will the state act in the interests of the people, or will it act to protect the status quo?

FAQ: What Does the SADC Summit Mean for Black South Africans?

What is the SADC Summit and why is it important?

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit brings together 12 Heads of State and Government to discuss regional integration, economic development, and political cooperation. For Black South Africans, it is a platform to advance African unity and challenge neo-colonial influences.

How can Black South Africans participate in the summit?

Participation is limited to accredited delegates, but side events and public activities may offer opportunities for engagement. Rainbow Report encourages readers to follow the summit's outcomes and hold leaders accountable for addressing racial and economic inequalities.

What are the risks of over-policing during the summit?

History shows that heavy-handed security can suppress legitimate dissent, particularly in Black communities. It is crucial that the state balances security with the protection of constitutional rights, including the right to protest.

How can the summit benefit Black communities in Durban?

The summit can bring economic benefits, such as increased tourism and investment, but these must be distributed equitably. Black-owned businesses and workers should be prioritized in the supply chains and services related to the event.

Photo: IOL