Urgent Joint Parliamentary Intervention to Prevent Xenophobic Violence

Statement by Adv. Glynnis Breytenbach MP – DA Chief Whip:

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has written to the Chief Whip of the ANC, requesting the joint sitting of Parliament’s Security Cluster Committees to address the growing threat of xenophobic violence across South Africa.

Recent weeks have seen deeply concerning reports of attacks against foreign nationals, families fleeing their homes, businesses being targeted, and growing fears of widespread violence ahead of the self-imposed 30 June deadline issued by activist groups demanding the removal of undocumented foreign nationals from South Africa.

It is clear that people across South Africa are scared, while an unaccountable organisation sows fear and hatred and division, and government is doing very little to crack down on it, or arrest the instigators.

While Government’s pronouncements have been measured, Parliament has a duty to be more robust. We cannot allow entities to set societal “deadlines” on threats of violence and criminality. That is a dangerous slippery slope

Parliament has a responsibility to confront this issue and to develop solutions that protect communities while upholding the rule of law. As the legislative arm of government, Parliament cannot stand by while tensions escalate and the risk of violence grows.

The committees responsible for Police, Defence, Home Affairs, State Security, Justice and Constitutional Development and International Relations and Correctional Services must therefore urgently convene a joint sitting to assess the threat and coordinate an effective response.

This issue requires leadership and cooperation across the Government of National Unity. The DA is extending an open invitation to all GNU partners, including the ANC, to work together to find practical solutions that address illegal immigration, strengthen border management, restore public confidence in law enforcement and prevent violence.

The South African Police Service cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of the past. Early warning signs are already visible and government must act decisively before lives are lost.

Government must implement a clear and coordinated plan to maintain law and order, protect vulnerable communities and ensure that South Africa does not once again find itself on the wrong side of history.