Victoria Street in downtown Durban became a focal point for community action as the March and March organisation spearheaded a clean-up campaign, drawing attention to the balance between revitalising the area and the impact on local businesses.
Image: Sipho Jack
Durban's Bertha Mkhize Street (formerly Victoria Street) became a focal point for community action on Tuesday as the March and March organisation spearheaded a clean-up campaign, drawing attention to the balance between revitalising the area and the impact of its degeneration on local businesses.
The ambitious clean-up campaign drew significant attention, including a heightened police presence and the closure of numerous shops owned by Pakistani and Somali nationals.
One Pakistani shop employee, who asked not to be named, expressed her ambivalence towards the ongoing activities in the area.
“I am happy this operation is taking place because I am always at work and don’t have time to rest, but I’m also scared that I might lose my job because of this operation. I honestly don’t know how to feel,” she said.
Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, the March and March leader, highlighted the importance of the clean-up initiative and the encouraging police visibility during the event.
“What I love the most about it is the police visibility whenever there’s March and March. It will help to decrease crime in the area,” Ngobese-Zuma said optimistically.
She called on communities to join their efforts to rejuvenate the city. “I’m calling on all citizens to join us and help clean up our city,” she added.
While the initiative garnered support from some quarters, others decried the impact it had on economic activity and jobs.
DAILY NEWS