South Africa’s government has issued a strong warning over protests linked to illegal immigration concerns, saying while citizens can raise issues, violence and attacks on foreign nationals will not be accepted.
The message comes as Cabinet and security structures move to contain growing tensions, urging that all demonstrations remain peaceful and within the law. Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said Cabinet recognises the constitutional right of South Africans to express concerns about illegal immigration, but drew a clear line on how those concerns are expressed.
“Cabinet reaffirmed that South Africans have a constitutional right to raise concerns about illegal immigration, but warned that violence, attacks on foreign nationals and any form of lawlessness will not be tolerated.” Cabinet also warned against people using socio-economic frustrations to fuel division.
“Cabinet further condemned opportunistic attempts to exploit genuine socio-economic concerns, including unemployment and limited economic opportunities, to incite instability, violence and tribal mobilisation. Law enforcement agencies are expected to act decisively against those responsible”
At the same time, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has called for calm during demonstrations and marches across the country.In a statement issued in Pretoria on 05 May, NATJOINTS said:
“NATJOINTS URGES PROTESTERS TO ACT WITHIN THE CONFINES OF THE LAW” The structure reminded the public that while the Constitution protects the right to protest, it does not allow violence or intimidation. “While the Constitution of our country guarantees the right to peaceful protest, NATJOINTS emphasises that this right must be exercised without violence, intimidation, or any form of unlawful conduct.”
It further warned against weapons, intimidation, and failure to follow police instructions, adding that law enforcement will act against anyone breaking the law. “The NATJOINTS will not tolerate any actions that threaten public safety or undermine the rule of law.” “The NATJOINTS reiterates that acts of vigilantism and lawlessness will not be tolerated.”
Police units, including Public Order Police, remain deployed to monitor protests and maintain stability, while operations such as Operation Shanela continue to target criminal activity nationwide. This latest stance comes against a backdrop of long-standing concerns over xenophobia and attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa. In a statement in Parliament in 2015, the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) condemned violence against foreign nationals and called for protection of migrants.
“As the NCOP, our mandate is to be a vibrant people’s assemble that intervenes and transforms society and the development challenges of our people. We therefore cannot stand by and watch as our country degenerates into chaos by a few unruly criminal elements,” said Hon. Thandi Modise.
The NCOP at the time urged South Africans to reject violence and support efforts to protect all people living in the country, warning against instability driven by criminal groups.
Authorities say the latest messages are aimed at preventing a repeat of past unrest, while insisting that grievances must be expressed within the law.
