The planned Concerned Chris Hani District Residents peaceful march on 24 June 2026 will go ahead dispite Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality said it cannot provide traffic support due to a clash with a previously approved film production.
In an email dated 21 June, Traffic Services Division official Shaun Adolph confirmed receipt of the march notice submitted by convener Xola Njokweni on 12 June. But he advised the municipality would be unable to assist with road closures or traffic control for the event.
The reason, Adolph said, is a prior approval granted to “Yellow Bone Entertainment” by The Queenstown Kings for film shooting.
That approval, signed off by the Acting Municipal Manager, covers 22 June to 1 July 2026.
Traffic and law enforcement staff will be “fully occupied with traffic control, road closures, and safety management” during that period.
Njokweni pushed back in a follow-up email on 19 June, saying the group lodged all required details including conveners, marshals, times, estimated attendance, route, and memorandum recipient.
He noted similar administrative uncertainty marred their 23 April 2026 march, though SAPS still facilitated it and the memorandum was handed over.
The group stressed it is not a political organisation and seeks only accountability and improved service delivery.
Under Section 6(2) of the Regulation of Gatherings Act 205 of 1993, Adolph notified the conveners of 3 options: meet the Responsible Officer to discuss alternative dates outside 22 June – 1 July, propose alternative crowd/traffic management arrangements, or appeal the decision at the Magistrate’s Court under Section 5(6).
The municipality said it remains committed to facilitating peaceful gatherings within the law.
Concerned Chris Hani District Residents said they will continue with the march tomorrow morning.
