The ANC has called on organisers of protests directed at undocumented foreign nationals to ensure they exercise restraint and maintain peace during demonstrations.
Acting ANC National Spokesperson and Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Nonceba Mhlawuli, has also called on traditional leaders, religious leaders and other stakeholders to play a role in promoting peace and maintaining order.
Mhlawuli says, “The ANC calls on all South Africans to exercise calm, restraint and responsible leadership ahead of the demonstrations planned on the 30th of June. Whilst the constitution guarantees the right to peaceful protest, this right carries an equal responsibility to reject the violence, intimidation, incitement, destruction of property and any conduct that threatens the safety of communities or undermines the rights of others.”
“We call on all community leaders, faith-based organisations, civil society, traditional leaders and protest organisers to actively promote peace and assist in preventing any acts that may place lives, livelihood or essential infrastructure at risk.”
VIDEO | KZN overnight foreign national repatriations:
Meanwhile, police in the Western Cape and other law enforcement agencies say they are on high alert.
The Office of the Provincial SAPS Commissioner says all six districts in the province have activated their Joint Operational Centres to coordinate with the Provincial Operational Coordination Centre.
The joint law enforcement operation includes SAPS, the Department of Home Affairs, the Department of Social Development, the Department of Health, the Intelligence Services and other agencies.
SAPS members are expected to hold a parade in Belhar near Cape Town this morning ahead of the planned operations.
The Msunduzi Municipality in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, which has been identified as one of the hotspots for the planned marches, says operational plans are in place to ensure the safety of residents and businesses.
The municipality says it is working closely with police, municipal law enforcement and other security agencies, with an increased security presence expected across the Pietermaritzburg city centre.
Authorities say municipal services, emergency response teams and other essential operations will continue as normal.
The municipality has also appealed to those taking part in demonstrations to do so peacefully.
LIVE: June 30 Protests against undocumented immigration
About the Author
