DURBAN - On Wednesday morning, EThekwini mayor Mxolisi Kaunda met community leaders from Phoenix, Inanda, Ntuzuma, KwaMashu, Verulam and Hillcrest.
This follows reports that some community members, acting in protection of their properties, have begun attacking other racial groups with the allegation that they are posing a threat of damage or theft of their belongings.
There have been reports of racially-fueled incidents in areas including Phoenix, Chatsworth and parts of Pietermaritzburg which all have been affected by incidents of violence.
During the engagement, Kaunda said the leaders rejected the acts of violence and racism and pledged their commitment to work with all sectors to restore peace and stability in communities.
He said interventions agreed upon at the engagements include enhanced law enforcement by police to ensure the safety of communities and the establishment of a multi-sectoral task team to fast-track stabilisation in communities.
"It is time for the unrest to stop and for all of us to start rebuilding our beautiful city and the economy which has already been battered by the Covid-19 pandemic. If this unrest continues, it will have a long-term devastating impact on our lives and livelihoods," said Kaunda.
He said the city was assessing the economic impact of the unrest.
Kaunda added that he would be visiting other communities in eThekwini to promote peace and stability.
THE MERCURY