JCPS ministers call for lawful protest and fast-track national action plan amid anti‑immigrant unrest

Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) ministers will convene an emergency meeting at the Union Buildings to address mounting anti‑immigrant protests and to push forward a national plan to combat racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia. The meeting is expected to include all security cluster ministers and senior national security officials.

Why ministers were called together

The emergency talks follow a recent rise in violent anti‑immigration protests in multiple provinces, including KwaZulu‑Natal, Gauteng and the Eastern Cape. Organisers and civil groups have staged marches that at times turned chaotic, notably in Durban’s central business district.

Top KwaZulu‑Natal police and Home Affairs officials intervened after foreign nationals camped outside Durban Central police station, alleging they had been left undocumented and vulnerable to attack. The group, made up largely of Congolese nationals alongside citizens from other African countries, spent two nights outside the station and said they had fled their homes after being targeted.

Government response and planned engagements

Deputy government spokesperson William Baloyi said the ministers will finalise a framework for a national action plan to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. He said the ministers would also meet political parties and groups involved in mass protests to set rules of engagement and to discuss government approaches to illegal immigration.

“Later in the day, the Ministers will meet Political Parties, various groups and associations who have been involved in mass protests and community marches against illegal foreign nationals across the country. The aim of these engagements will be to establish rules of engagement in protests but also to discuss the government initiatives and approaches in dealing with the serious problem of illegal immigration,” Baloyi said.

Local pressures and calls for urgent intervention

eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba urged national intervention for foreign nationals camping outside the city’s Home Affairs office, saying they cannot be left on the streets without shelter or basic necessities. Xaba said the city is facing mounting pressure on municipal resources while also managing temporary emergency accommodation for flood victims.

What to expect next

The JCPS meeting aims to coordinate a security‑cluster response, clarify legal boundaries around protests and fast‑track the national action plan against racism and xenophobia. Senior officials and ministers will use engagements with protest participants and political parties to establish how demonstrations should be conducted and outline government measures for addressing illegal immigration.