The South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in Du Noon has distanced itself from a planned anti-immigration march set to take place in the Cape Town township on Saturday, saying it does not support the approach being taken by organisers.
While acknowledging that some concerns raised by anti-immigration groups were valid, SANCO said community members should not take matters into their own hands.
The march has been promoted through posters circulating on social media, featuring the logos of organisations including March and March, Operation Dudula, For The People, and the Labour and Civic Organisation.
The planned demonstration comes as anti-immigration protests continue to surface in different parts of South Africa, with calls for stricter immigration controls and tighter visa requirements.
SANCO Rejects Du Noon Anti-Immigration March
SANCO OR Tambo branch chairperson Sinethemba Matomela said recognised community structures had not been consulted about the planned march.
He encouraged residents to allow law enforcement and relevant government authorities to handle immigration-related concerns rather than acting independently.
“Because we are not trained to know who is illegal in South Africa and who is not illegal in South Africa. We don’t know who an asylum seeker is and who is not. We don’t know who a foreigner is and who is not, who is a refugee and who is not a refugee. We are not trained for that, and we don’t know what documents we must look for,” he said.
Matomela’s remarks come amid growing national debate over undocumented immigration and the role of community-led actions targeting foreign nationals.
Western Cape MEC Issues Warning Over Attacks On Foreign Nationals
Meanwhile, Western Cape Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC Anroux Marais has cautioned residents against targeting foreign nationals, warning that those responsible for inciting or carrying out violence would face legal consequences.
Her comments followed the arrest of two suspects linked to the murder of Mozambican national Tomas Chunguane during anti-immigration unrest in KwaNonqaba, Mossel Bay, last month.
Chunguane was assaulted and fatally stabbed during protests centred on undocumented foreign nationals.
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Police are also investigating the murder of another Mozambican national linked to the violence.
Marais welcomed the arrests and praised investigators for their work in pursuing those allegedly involved.
“No person has the right to assault, intimidate, harass, or attack another individual based on their nationality or immigration status. South Africa is governed by the rule of law, and any concerns must be reported to the relevant authorities for investigation and action,” she said.
Arrests Follow Deadly Mossel Bay Unrest
The arrests mark a significant development in investigations into the Mossel Bay unrest, which resulted in the deaths of two Mozambican nationals.
Authorities have reiterated that immigration-related concerns should be addressed through lawful channels and that criminal acts committed during protests will be prosecuted.
As tensions surrounding immigration continue in several communities, both civic leaders and government officials have appealed for calm and adherence to the law.
