Clashes with protestors, police erupt at Addington Primary

Police officers and protestors seen outside Addington Primary School in Durban.

Clashes have erupted over learner placements at Addington Primary School in Durban in KwaZulu-Natal.

Police fired tear gas and used a water cannon to disperse the crowd.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2arVsdFsrs

Various organisations are accusing the school of prioritising children of foreign nationals instead of South Africans.

WATCH | Clashes erupt over learner placements at Addington Primary School in Durban. Police fire tear gas and a water cannon to disperse the crowd. pic.twitter.com/foxiClXnE1

— SABC News (@SABCNews) January 21, 2026

Meanwhile, the provincial Education Department earlier said that all 66 South African learners on the list that lobby group March and March Movement has provided have been placed at the school.

Department spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi says the school is already at full capacity with over 1 500 learners including 968 South Africans.

“We can confirm that there’s no child that has not been placed – even the list that we got from the Match and March (Movement), all those 66 learners have been placed. They have been placed in the very same school Addington, and we identify that some of the learners already have schools that are in that list already have school schools.”

WATCH | Tensions are high at Addington Primary School in Durban as organisations protest, accusing the school of prioritising children of foreign nationals. Police are on site. SABC’s Jayed Paulse is reporting live. pic.twitter.com/5OFKzmMSLA

— SABC News (@SABCNews) January 21, 2026