Demonstrations against irregular migration around the country remained largely peaceful and non-violent on Tuesday, with law enforcement protecting both marchers and the general public.
This is according to Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development and chair of the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Migration, Mmamoloko Kubayi, who led a media briefing of the committee on Tuesday evening.
“Government wishes to express its appreciation to all South Africans who exercised their constitutional right to protest peacefully and responsibly during today's migration-related demonstrations.
“We commend citizens, community leaders, organisers, civil society formations, religious leaders and law enforcement agencies for their commitment to peace, restraint and respect for the rule of law throughout the country.
“Whilst policing operations have been effective thus far, with demonstrations remaining largely peaceful across the country,” Kubayi said.
Although largely without incident, several people were arrested during the day in connection with incidents of looting and attempted looting across the country.
READ | Several people arrested for looting and attempted looting
Kubayi added that law enforcement remains vigilant and on alert.
“Those who chose to exploit the marches to commit criminal acts will face the full might of the law. Police will continue to identify, arrest and prosecute all those responsible for criminal conduct,” the Minister said.
A government that listens
Kubayi acknowledged that the challenges around irregular immigration present genuine concerns for South Africans.
She assured that government is committed to resolving these challenges.
“Government acknowledges that many citizens have genuine concerns about [a] lack of economic opportunities, irregular migration, service delivery, the challenges of border management and general public safety. These concerns deserve to be heard and addressed systematically through lawful and democratic processes.
“As government, we wish to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to implementing the Comprehensive Approach for Migration Management as announced by President [Cyril] Ramaphosa,” Kubayi said.
The Comprehensive Approach for Migration Management is a five-point plan announced by the President focussing on:
• Strengthening the enforcement of immigration and labour laws
• Securing South Africa’s borders
• Improving migration management systems
• Closing legislative and policy gaps
• Working with countries across the continent to address migration challenges in a coordinated manner
The plan – and government’s continuous work in this regard – are bearing fruit.
“Government continues to make substantial progress with the deportation and repatriation of foreign nationals across the affected provinces. To date, the latest statistics indicate that we have successfully repatriated 4286 nationals and deported a further 419 in the past few days.
“We want to assure all South Africans that government will continue to actively manage migration through lawful, coordinated and constitutional measures.
“Our objective remains clear: a South Africa where immigration laws are respected and enforced, where borders are secure, where communities are safe, where businesses compete fairly, and where human dignity and constitutional values are upheld,” Kubayi added.
She reiterated government’s assurance that the crackdown on “criminality, corruption, human trafficking, labour exploitation and all forms of illegality associated with irregular migration” remains ongoing.
“We call on all South Africans to remain calm, reject misinformation and xenophobia, and continue working with government and law enforcement agencies to build safe, stable and cohesive communities.
“We will manage migration in a manner that protects our national interest, promotes the rule of law and advances the values upon which our democracy is founded,” Kubayi said.
Vigilance and social cohesion
Meanwhile, Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said demonstrations occurred in many parts of the country and that they “were almost all peaceful.”
“There were no clashes between the police and demonstrators, which I am pleased about. Where clashes occurred in Yeoville, for instance, those clashes were between different parts of our society. The police did extremely well today, enforcing the law with restraint.
Cachalia said overnight, and in the weeks ahead, police will continue to exercise vigilance. He said he had taken note that marches will continue each Thursday until the next Local Government Elections in November 2026.
On what government is doing in maintaining social cohesion, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni spoke of the importance of the National Dialogue.
“The importance of hosting the Nation Dialogue is that South Africans needed to converse with each other, conversations about their challenges but also converse to know each other,” she said.
She added that the protest against illegal immigration is in line with that conversation.
– SAnews.gov.za
