Clairwood residents vow to take eThekwini to Constitutional Court over controversial logistics park plans

Residents of Clairwood staged a protest outside the eThekwini Municipality's Engineering Department on Friday, submitting formal objections to the city’s proposal to rezone the area for the development of a logistics park.

The protest, organised by the Clairwood Ratepayers and Residents Association, religious leaders, environmental organisations, and local community members, featured chants of "Down with the logistic park" and "Clairwood is ours" as residents voiced their opposition.

The municipality's plan to redevelop Clairwood into a logistics zone aims to accommodate the growing demand for space driven by the Port of Durban's expansion. In response to the proposal, the city invited public participation, offering residents and business owners a 60-day window to submit objections and feedback ahead of the April 8, 2025, deadline.

The city has emphasised that the amendment to the municipal land use scheme is meant to "better manage" the area, which has gradually evolved from a residential neighbourhood to a mixed-use logistics zone.

However, residents have raised concerns about the potential negative impact of the proposed logistic park on infrastructure, as well as fears that the development could drive more people away from the historic area.

Marvin Reddy, Chairman of the Clairwood Ratepayers and Residents Association, expressed strong opposition to the rezoning plan, advocating for more housing development instead of an industrial park.

"We are here to say no to the proposed logistics park in Clairwood, but yes to housing and an improved quality of life for the people of Clairwood," Reddy said.

"Clairwood is a historic area that once had a population of 50 to 60 thousand. It’s the government today that has caused people to move away, but we still have a community that wants to live here."

Renowned activist Desmond D'Sa also spoke out against the proposed logistics park, warning the municipality that if it proceeded with the plan, the community would take the matter to the Constitutional Court.

"Logistics parks and trucks don’t create jobs; they destroy the fabric of society," D'Sa said.

"We’re demanding that the municipality abandon this plan and build something that will truly benefit the community. We won’t accept any rezoning of Clairwood, ’we will fight this to the end, and if necessary, we’ll take the case to the Constitutional Court."

Sameera Fyzoo, who is part of management at South Coast Madressa Primary School, criticised the municipality for failing to consult residents, particularly schools, about the proposed changes. She expressed concern over the impact on children and parents, fearing that the development could lead to school closures.

"It’s horrifying to know that proper consultations haven't taken place between the municipality and the schools. This is unfair to our children and their families what will we do if our schools close down?" Fyzoo said.

Lihle Phewa, head of the city's Development Planning and Environmental Management Unit, was present to receive the residents' objections. Phewa clarified that the municipality’s intention was not to displace people but to address the conflicting land uses in the area, given its proximity to the port.

"In Clairwood, there are several conflicting land uses due to the proximity to the port, and businesses have taken advantage of this," Phewa said.

"Our goal as the planning department is to establish harmony between all these land uses. This is not about relocating anyone. We’re simply working to create a plan that can guide the development and management of the area moving forward, with input from all stakeholders."

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