‘The Match Will Go Ahead’: eThekwini Municipality Issues Crucial Safety Update Ahead Of MTN8 Final

The eThekwini Municipality has assured football lovers that the MTN8 final will go ahead as planned and that attendees will be safe, despite recent civil unrest and protests around Durban.

Durban has experienced heightened tension over the past couple of days ahead of the Wafa Wafa Cup showdown between two of the country’s elite sides—Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.

The Durban Central Business District (CBD) and surrounding eThekwini areas faced temporary security deployments following anti-immigration protests and localized demonstrations. Protests flared near the Department of Home Affairs Refugee Reception Centre on Che Guevara Road, with localized disruptions reported along Dr Pixley KaSeme Street, Dr Yusuf Dadoo Street, and parts of Umbilo.

Law Enforcement Response & Security Measures

In response to the unrest, the South African Police Service (SAPS) Public Order Policing (POP) units and Durban Metro Police deployed heavy reinforcements to restore order, utilizing crowd control measures to secure key commercial corridors.

Addressing public concern, the eThekwini Municipality released a joint operational statement:

“The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (PROVJOINTS), comprising the South African Police Service, Durban Metro Police, Road Traffic Inspectorate and other law enforcement agencies, including private security, has put the necessary safety and security measures in place to ensure safety, peace and stability before, during and after the MTN8 Cup Final match between Orlando Pirates Football Club and Mamelodi Sundowns, which will be played at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday evening, 10 October 2026,” said eThekwini Municipality in a statement.  
 
A comprehensive operation plan, which covers traffic management, stadium and fan park safety, as well as overall order and stability, has already been set in motion.  

“KwaZulu-Natal #PROVJOINTS wishes to assure football lovers that the city of Durban and the surrounding areas are safe and that the match will take place in a safe and secure environment. 
 
“Despite the sporadic violent protests that took place in the Durban CBD on Thursday afternoon, the province of KwaZulu-Natal, including the host city of Durban, has been relatively calm, and police will maintain increased visibility to ensure that no criminal elements sabotage the successful hosting of the MTN8 Cup Final. 
 
“PROVJOINTS has noted misleading social media posts that seek to cause panic and confusion by spreading malicious misinformation concerning the staging of the match.  

“The management of the police, through the Event #SafetyandSecurity Planning Committee (ESSPC) and PROVJOINTS, has assured the Premier Soccer League that security planning for the 2026 MTN8 Cup Final will remain intact and that anyone who attempts to breach security protocols or endanger spectators, officials, players and any other role player will be met with the full force of the law. 
 
“Football lovers are once again reminded and encouraged to come to the stadium early to avoid traffic congestion and last-minute rushes to enter the stadium.  

“No weapons, such as guns, knives, or bottles, are allowed inside the stadium. The Moses Mabhida Stadium and its vicinity have been declared no-fly zones; as such, no unauthorised drones will be allowed to fly.” 

Matchday Guidelines for Spectators

• Arrive Early: Fans are encouraged to head to the stadium early to clear traffic congestion and security checks. Parking is available at Mustering Field, Suncoast Casino, and along Umgeni Road.
• Prohibited Items: No weapons (including guns, knives, or bottles) are allowed inside the venue.
• No-Fly Zone: The Moses Mabhida Stadium and its immediate vicinity have been declared strict no-fly zones, prohibiting unauthorized drones.
• Fan Park: Supporters without tickets are advised to enjoy the matchday atmosphere at the official fan park at Bay of Plenty on the Durban beachfront rather than crowding the stadium precinct.

Orlando Pirates enter the fixture looking to secure a fifth consecutive MTN8 title, while Mamelodi Sundowns aim to claim the prestigious trophy for the first time since the 2021/22 season.