The Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) has cautioned the public against spreading misinformation on social media platforms as well as engaging in acts of vigilantism as the date for protests against illegal immigration draws closer.
The date has been declared by a number of groups as the deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave the country.
The IMC has been tasked by President Cyril Ramaphosa to oversee the execution of a five-point strategy, which includes a crackdown on violations of the law, the deportation of foreigners who are illegally in the country and securing the borders.
Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi says, “Section 16 of the Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of expression, but this right does not extend to propaganda for war, incitement of imminent violence, or advocacy of hatred based on race, ethnicity, gender or religion. Section 17 equally guarantees the right to peaceful and unarmed assembly, regulated under the Regulation of Gatherings Act. Any conduct that crosses these lines, whether by individuals, organised formations or so-called community enforcement groups, constitutes a criminal offence.”
Kubayi says government has held engagements with social media platforms to address violent incitement linked to 30 June being propagated by certain formations.
VIDEO | Mmamoloko Kubayi on migration management and security measures ahead of planned protests:
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