On 10 October the Chinese Embassy in South Africa issued a safety reminder after marches in central Durban and in Soweto on 8 October turned into clashes, with foreign-owned shops attacked and looted. The embassy asks Chinese citizens and organisations to follow the news closely, stay away from unrest and ask for help quickly if needed.
What happened
According to the embassy, an anti-illegal-immigration group held marches on 8 October in central Durban (KwaZulu-Natal) and in Soweto (Gauteng), protesting against foreign nationals applying for refugee status. The marches led to clashes, attacks on foreign-run shops, looting, robbery and vehicles being set on fire.
Many Chinese traders run shops in both areas. South Africa also holds local government elections on 4 November, so more gatherings are likely in the coming weeks, and shop owners in town centres and townships should keep an eye on local news.
What the embassy advises
- Stay informed: follow local news and embassy notices, and do not go to or pass through areas with unrest or poor security.
- Do not watch: if you come across a march or protest, do not stop to look. Leave promptly.
- Stay calm: in an emergency, avoid escalating the situation. Your safety comes before stock or cash.
- Get help: contact the local police or the Chinese Embassy and consulates.
Practical steps for shop owners
- Keep little cash in the shop and bank takings regularly.
- If you hear of a march nearby, close early rather than stay open.
- Set up a WeChat or WhatsApp group with neighbouring traders to share updates.
- Keep your passport somewhere safe with a copy on your phone, and photograph your stock and premises so you have records for the police or an insurer.
- If you suffer a loss, report it at a police station and keep the case (CAS) number.
For everyday precautions see our South Africa safety guide, and for local information see the Durban and Johannesburg city pages.
Emergency numbers (save them now)
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| South African Police | 10111 |
| Emergency from a mobile | 112 |
| Public ambulance | 10177 |
| Chinese Embassy consular protection (24 hours) | +27 10 492 5583 |
| Consulate-General in Johannesburg | +27 10 498 6234 |
| Consulate-General in Cape Town | +27 21 674 7668 |
| Consulate-General in Durban | +27 76 174 2938 |
| China MFA global consular hotline | +86 10 12308 or +86 10 6561 2308 |
The embassy notes that outside office hours its line is transferred to the 12308 hotline, and the transfer can fail, so it suggests calling 12308 directly. See emergency numbers and what to do for the full list, and Chinese Embassy and consulates for addresses and consular districts.