Government has condemned sporadic acts of violence at Che Guevara Road in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, emphasising that immigration management and law enforcement are the sole responsibility of the state.
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi made the assertion during a media briefing by the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Migration on Tuesday, setting out progress made in implementing the Five-Point Plan on Migration Management.
Last week, reports emerged of tensions erupting between anti-illegal migration protestors and refugees camping outside the Department of Home Affairs offices on the road.
“We condemn the sporadic acts of violence such as we have seen at Che Guevara in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal recently. We reiterate our fervent stance that immigration management and the concomitant law enforcement remain solely the responsibility of government and nobody else.
“The law enforcement authorities are following up on that incident and will make sure that those who are responsible for the violence are held accountable,” the Minister said.
Kubayi assured nearby residents and the public that authorities are actively monitoring the situation at Che Guevara and are committed to resolving the issue swiftly.
“The authorities will continue to monitor the situation in Che Guevara, and we would like to assure members of the public and the residents adjacent to that area that the matter will be resolved as a matter of urgency,” she said.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has been supporting members of the refugee group to explore available solutions, including voluntary reintegration into communities.
“For those who have expressed an interest in the Lindela option as a temporary alternative shelter arrangement, the UNHCR has encouraged them to engage constructively with the process.
“The organisation is also working to compile the requested information regarding those willing to relocate,” Kubayi stated.
The IMC continues to implement the Five-Point Plan announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 7 June 2026.
The plan is aimed at restoring public confidence, strengthening the rule of law, protecting South Africa’s borders, modernising migration systems and enhancing cooperation with regional and international partners.
Government has also welcomed the support of role players, including non-governmental organisations, and thanked South Africans for heeding calls to conduct peaceful protests and cooperate with law enforcement authorities.
The IMC stressed that migration-related challenges must be addressed through lawful government processes and not through violence or vigilantism.
The IMC further emphasised that government remains firmly committed to managing migration in a manner that is lawful, orderly and humane, while ensuring that enforcement actions are carried out within the Constitution and South Africa’s international obligations. – SAnews.gov.za
