South Africa’s government has urged citizens to ensure that marches and protests remain peaceful and properly communicated to law‑enforcement agencies, warning that organisers could be held liable for any criminal behaviour linked to demonstrations amid rising xenophobic tensions.
Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi issued the caution on Monday following a security‑cluster briefing with ministers, senior officials, political parties and groups involved in recent anti‑immigrant protests.
She warned that online calls for nationwide protests against illegal immigration on 30 June risk inflaming an already volatile situation.
“I want to emphasise that they have the right to march. They have the right to hold protests. But we are appealing to them to ensure that they are peaceful.”
She said all marches and protests must be notified to the authorities so that security measures can be put in place.
She warned that organisers who fail to inform law enforcement “absolve the state from responsibility,” meaning liability for any violence or damage could fall directly on them.
“When marches are happening without communicating with the state, the organisers actually are absolving the state from responsibility. As a result, liability rests with the organisers,” she said.
The appeal comes as South Africa faces a renewed wave of xenophobic mobilisation, with foreign nationals reporting intimidation and sporadic attacks in several provinces.
The latest tensions echo previous flare‑ups in 2008, 2015 and 2019 when violence against migrants left dozens of people dead, displaced thousands and caused extensive damage to property.
Kubayi reiterated that South Africa is not a xenophobic country and cautioned against conflating socio‑economic frustrations with hostility toward migrants.
Kubayi noted that many foreign nationals are in the country legally and contribute to the economy, while those who violate immigration laws should be dealt with through proper legal channels.
Deputy ministers will now be deployed to monitor hotspots and ensure compliance with the law, with reports expected on conditions on the ground.
JN/APA