Mass protests against illegal immigration have started early in Soweto, ahead of the planned June 30 demonstrations in Johannesburg. The Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia KAAX group has accused the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department JMPD of political bias and favoritism, claiming the JMPD previously restricted KAAX's right to protest with disproportionate tactics while now facilitating marches by groups that propagate conditions leading to violence. KAAX stated that its past protests faced intense scrutiny, threats of arrest, and demands for fees, which they argue is a selective application of the Regulation of Gatherings Act RoGA. JMPD spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla clarified that financial payments are not a prerequisite for protest approval or police presence, citing a June 2022 high court ruling that declared charging fees for protests unconstitutional. The JMPD emphasized that it strictly complies with this ruling and will not tolerate criminality or property damage during the protests. The Psychological Society of South Africa highlighted the potential negative effects of the protests on migrant communities, warning that fear, misinformation, and scapegoating can intensify prejudice and social divisions. Johannesburg council speaker Margaret Arnolds reiterated that intimidation and unlawful removal of foreign nationals will not be tolerated, advocating for dialogue and lawfulness.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Citizen.
The Special Investigating Unit SIU has begun conducting lifestyle audits of senior officials and employees in high-risk procurement and human resources positions within the Department of Basic Education DBE. Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube announced the audits, stating they are part of a broader campaign to combat corruption and protect public funds intended for education. The audits target areas vulnerable to corruption risks and aim to identify unexplained wealth and corruption risks among public officials. The DBE stated that Minister Gwarube has consistently argued that reforming basic education requires restoring an ethical culture within the department. The objective is to identify and eliminate corruption risks to ensure government resources improve education quality and benefit schools. The department believes strengthening internal accountability will safeguard public investment and reinforce public confidence. Minister Gwarube reaffirmed her commitment to protecting education funding, emphasizing responsibility to the 13.7 million children and 485,000 teachers in South Africa's schools. This initiative marks a step in the department's efforts to detect corruption, prevent misuse of public funds, and strengthen governance in the education system.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has issued a strong warning against violence ahead of planned protests on Tuesday, June 30, by the organization March and March, which has set a deadline for undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa. Ramaphosa stated that while grievances are legitimate, protests must be peaceful and within constitutional bounds, emphasizing that intimidation and vandalism will not be tolerated. He condemned March and March's deadline as unconstitutional vigilantism, disguised as patriotism. The President acknowledged concerns about illegal immigration, border management, pressure on public services, and criminal syndicates, outlining government efforts to strengthen border controls, tighten enforcement, improve asylum and visa systems, and combat corruption. Ramaphosa drew a parallel to South Africa's history of pass laws, asserting that only law enforcement can demand identification. He welcomed assurances from some protest organizers against violence and highlighted support from various community leaders for the government's stance on reform and tolerance. Ramaphosa reminded citizens that many foreign nationals contribute positively to society and are entitled to constitutional protection, urging dialogue over confrontation to protect both the country's borders and its constitution.
Several African countries have evacuated their citizens from South Africa ahead of a national anti-immigration protest scheduled for tomorrow, led by March and March and other groups. The protest leaders have given immigrants until tomorrow to leave the country. Last month, countries including Malawi, Ghana, and Nigeria transported their citizens home, accusing the South African government of failing to manage the situation. While some foreign nationals have gathered outside their embassies seeking repatriation, authorities state the situation is under control. Experts offer mixed opinions on police readiness; Willem Els, senior criminologist from the Institute for Security Studies, believes police are prepared with military support, noting improved planning compared to 2021. However, Professor Witness Maluleke, senior criminologist from the University of Limpopo, argues police are too weak to prevent potential vandalism and may resort to excessive force. Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia, addressing police in KwaZulu-Natal, emphasized their role in upholding the constitution and enforcing the law impartially. African Diaspora Forum chair Amir Sheikh commended the government's stance against the unlawfulness of the deadline and cautioned against intimidation, while also expressing concern about potential diplomatic and economic repercussions if the June 30 deadline for undocumented migrants is extended. President Cyril Ramaphosa announced tomorrow would be a normal workin