Mitigating Tensions Around Illegal Immigration Protests

Premier Alan Winde and several members of his Cabinet attended a Joint Operations Centre (JOC) meeting, led by the Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC), to further coordinate the province’s plan to address social unrest stemming from illegal immigration.

Multiple authorities, including the South African Police Service (SAPS), South African National Defence Force, Department of Home Affairs, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and municipalities, form part of the JOC, to ensure a coordinated and effective response.

All role players are working together to identify flashpoints and defuse tensions. SAPS is monitoring social media platforms.

The Western Cape’s plan is based on the following priorities:

• Visible policing in hotspots
• Strengthening intelligence networks
• Proactive communications
• Rapid mediation and engagement

The International Relations Directorate, within the Department of the Premier, has also been in regular contact with several foreign missions.

The Premier has expressed serious concern over a potential escalation which could lead to social unrest. The Premier notes that several demonstrations have been held and more are planned for the coming days.

He strongly urges organisers and demonstrators to conduct themselves in a peaceful manner. “While we respect every resident’s right to protest, this must be done within the confines of the law. We urge residents to stand against violence. Violence in any context is completely unacceptable. We have seen how this issue can escalate. We have already had unrest and demonstrations in the Mossel Bay, Overstrand and Cape Agulhas areas. We have taken decisive steps including bolstering enforcement measures and contingency planning to avoid any further social unrest.”

The Western Cape Government welcomes interventions implemented by the Inter- Ministerial Committee on Migration, constituted by President Cyril Ramaphosa, and has offered its support, wherever necessary, to bolster the work of this entity.

Premier Winde calls on all foreigners living in the province without the required legal documentation to take immediate steps to regularise their status in accordance with the country’s immigration laws.