Overview
- Police dispersed crowds with tear gas, a water cannon and stun grenades after clashes outside the Durban school, and escorted children to safety as some protesters tried to block immigrant parents.
- March and March, Operation Dudula and people in uMkhonto weSizwe Party regalia led demonstrations alleging preferential treatment for migrants in admissions.
- The education department released figures showing 1,548 learners at Addington Primary, including 968 South Africans and 548 foreign nationals with 12 undocumented, refuting a claim that 90% are migrants.
- Department head Nkosinathi Ngcobo said scrutiny of activists’ list found many children were already admitted at other nearby schools or had not applied, and that some parents withdrew placed learners to demand spots at Addington.
- Authorities condemned the violence, reported pupil absenteeism due to safety fears, arranged psychosocial support for learners, and noted flood‑displaced families seeking nearer placements as the province requests funds to restore scholar transport.