The Western Cape Government has activated a coordinated response to manage security and prevent violence ahead of planned anti-illegal immigration marche on June 16.
Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers
The Western Cape Government has activated a coordinated security and disaster management response ahead of planned anti-illegal immigration marches on Youth Day, amid growing concerns that tensions could escalate into violence and social unrest.
Premier Alan Winde on Monday confirmed that the Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) had convened a Joint Operations Centre (JOC) meeting involving multiple law enforcement and government agencies to strengthen preparedness measures and prevent an escalation of violence linked to illegal immigration protests.
Several anti-illegal immigration demonstrations are expected to take place across parts of the province on Tuesday, prompting authorities to intensify security planning and monitoring efforts.
The meeting brought together representatives from the South African Police Service (SAPS), the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), the Department of Home Affairs, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and municipalities to coordinate interventions and monitor potential flashpoints.
Authorities are focusing on visible policing in identified hotspots, strengthening intelligence networks, proactive communication and rapid mediation efforts to contain tensions. SAPS is also monitoring social media platforms for signs of potential unrest.
The province's intervention follows a series of demonstrations that have already taken place in parts of the Western Cape, with more protests and marches planned for Youth Day.
Winde warned that the situation could deteriorate if not carefully managed.
“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,” he said.
The Premier noted that unrest had already been experienced in several municipalities.
“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,” Winde said.
The Western Cape Government said it welcomed interventions being implemented by the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration, established by Cyril Ramaphosa, and had offered support to strengthen the committee’s work where necessary.
Meanwhile, the province's International Relations Directorate has been engaging foreign missions as part of efforts to manage the situation and maintain communication with affected communities.
Winde also called on undocumented foreign nationals residing in the province to regularise their immigration status in accordance with South Africa’s immigration laws.
The provincial government said all stakeholders were working together to identify potential hotspots and defuse tensions ahead of the planned June 16 marches, as authorities seek to prevent a repeat of unrest already witnessed in parts of the province.
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