ANC KZN warns anti-foreigner protests could trigger repeat of July 2021 unrest
ANC has condemned vigilante-style citizenship checks and isolated incidents of intimidation during protests, calling on law enforcement to intervene and prevent further escalation of tensions in affected communities.
Image: IOL
The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal has warned that violence, intimidation and unlawful conduct during protests against undocumented foreign nationals risk destabilising communities, cautioning that the province must not “descend into that pit of instability again,” in reference to the July 2021 unrest.
ANC Provincial Spokesperson Sifiso Sonjica, the party said it is aware of “a handful of instances of violence and threats of violence that have marked some of these protests.”
It also raised concern over what it described as unlawful citizen patrols, saying it is aware of “vigilante-style, random spot checks on individuals’ citizenship status conducted by unauthorised and unqualified individuals and of the trampling of others’ rights.”
The ANC said it is firmly opposed to such conduct and has called on law enforcement agencies to act.
“The ANC is firmly opposed to these tendencies and urges law enforcement agencies to play their role in this regard,” Sonjica said.
The party stressed that while South Africans have a constitutional right to protest, that right must be exercised responsibly to prevent escalation and instability.
It said “a maximum sense of responsibility should be the hallmark of these protests to avoid escalations that could cause instability,” warning against actions that could inflame tensions.
Sonjica warned that the consequences of instability are well known in the province, pointing to past events.
“The wounds of the July 2021 Unrest remain unhealed for many who were victims of that violence and looting, and we all should be careful not to descend into that pit of instability again,” he said.
The ANC noted that while most protests have proceeded without major incidents of intimidation or harm, it remains concerned about isolated cases of violence and threats.
The party also welcomed King Misuzulu KaZwelithini’s call in Durban over the weekend for undocumented foreign nationals not to be attacked and for bloodshed to be avoided at all costs, even as communities exercise their right to protest.
Sonjica said the King’s intervention was a “clarion call” that emphasised shared humanity and constitutional values, and aligned with broader government efforts to manage migration challenges.
He pointed to initiatives led by President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration, saying these efforts, alongside other institutions, had already begun yielding “positive results.”
The ANC said addressing migration challenges requires cooperation beyond government, calling on social partners and stakeholders to work together to promote stability, peace, justice, and social cohesion.
''We encourage all social partners and stakeholders to actively participate in implementing effective solutions to these issues.
''It is essential to recognise that this is not solely a governmental responsibility; it requires the collective commitment of all South Africans who aspire for stability, peace, justice, and social cohesion.
It added that South Africa remains a constitutional democracy and part of the SADC region and wider international community, with shared obligations and ties.
Sonjica urged restraint and unity, saying the country’s future depends on managing periods of heightened tension within constitutional values and ubuntu.
“In this regard, the ANC urges all patriots to exercise restraint at this time, especially by heeding His Majesty's call,” he said.
IOL Politics
