Premier Winde appeals for calm ahead of national protests

PROVINCIAL NEWS - Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has once again stressed that any and all protests planned for 30 June must remain orderly, and organisers must respect the rule of law.

Tomorrow - Tuesday 30 June - is the informal D-Day set by anti-immigrant groups demanding that undocumented foreigners be out of the country.

“Anyone acting outside of the law must be arrested and prosecuted,” Winde said.

The Premier and several members of the Western Cape Government Cabinet attended a Joint Operations Centre (JOC) meeting, under the auspices of the Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC), this morning with numerous other stakeholders, including representatives from municipalities, SAPS and the SANDF.

Premier Winde has strongly urged protest organisers and participants to ensure that all demonstrations remain peaceful and lawful.

"We fully respect every resident's constitutional right to protest. However, this right must always be exercised peacefully and within the bounds of the law. I call on all residents to reject violence in all its forms. There is no justification for violence under any circumstances. This is not who we are as South Africans.”

He said they have already seen tensions escalate.

"The Western Cape Government has responded decisively by enhancing inter-agency coordination and implementing contingency plans to help prevent any further social unrest. We remain committed to protecting the safety and wellbeing of all residents while upholding the rule of law."

He said the International Relations Directorate, within the Department of the Premier, is in regular contact with foreign consulates.

The Premier stated that emergency relief and assistance would continue where required while supporting the timely movement of individuals through the voluntary repatriation process.

The Western Cape Government expressed its appreciation to emergency relief organisations and NGOs who are assisting in defusing tensions and providing necessary assistance.

“I am also grateful to the Provincial Disaster Management Centre which is coordinating the proactive response to ensure protests do not turn violent.”