A protester in camouflage takes part in an anti-immigrant demonstration. (Photo: Rodger Bosch/AFP)
The DA has requested the ANC’s chief whip to convene a joint session of parliament’s security cluster committees to urgently discuss the growing threat of xenophobic violence in South Africa.
Adv. Glynnis Breytenbach, the DA’s chief whip, says the request follows recent reports of attacks on foreign nationals, families fleeing their homes, businesses being targeted and increasing fears of large-scale violence ahead of the self-imposed deadline of 30 June set by activist groups for the removal of undocumented foreigners from South Africa.
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“It is clear that people are rightly afraid of South Africa, while an irresponsible organization sows fear, hatred and division and the government does little to act against it or arrest the instigators,” says Breytenbach.
Although according to her the government’s public statements were balanced, the DA believes that the parliament should play a stronger role.
“We cannot allow organizations to set their own social ‘deadlines’ based on threats of violence and criminality. This is a dangerous path to walk.”
The DA argues that parliament has a responsibility to deal with the issue and establish solutions that protect communities while upholding the rule of law.
(Photo: Rajesh Jantilal/AFP)
The party believes that the portfolio committees on police, defence, internal affairs, state security, justice and political development, as well as international relations and correctional services, must urgently hold a joint session to assess the threat and develop a coordinated response.
The DA is also calling on partners in the government of national unity (GNU), including the ANC, to work together on practical solutions to illegal immigration, stronger border management, restoring public confidence in law enforcement agencies and preventing violence.
According to Breytenbach, the police cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of the past.
“Early warning signs are already visible and the government must act decisively before lives are lost.”
She says the government must implement a clear and coordinated plan to maintain law and order, protect vulnerable communities and ensure that South Africa does not end up on the wrong side of history again.