The Commission reaffirm that members of the public may raise grievances and protest, but such actions must remain peaceful and lawful. Violence, intimidation, hate speech, looting, and property destruction are unacceptable and constitute serious human‑rights violations and criminal conduct.

In our pursuit of humane borders and responsible migration, the SAHRC at the National Conference on Humane Border Migration highlighted cooperation across the Southern Region as a cornerstone to address current migration challenges.

The Commission is calling on relevant departments and the Minister of Police to intervene swiftly to address the violence affecting KwaZulu‑Natal and to take preventive measures in other provinces. The victims of violence should not take law into their own hands but report these to the authorities.

Criminal acts allegedly committed by some non-nationals, as reported on social media, should not be a gateway to inflaming tensions. Those with knowledge of any criminal act, whether committed by a South African or a non-national, should report it to the South African Police Service for investigation. Taking the law into one's own hands (vigilantism) may lead to attacks on people, exacerbate disharmony, and defeat the ends of justice.

We urge all community leaders, civil society actors, and residents to reject violence and promote dialogue, tolerance, and the rule of law. Challenges such as porous borders, high levels of unemployment, illegal-migration and criminal activities, including hijacked buildings, human trafficking, and GBVF, should be raised with the relevant government departments. Non-nationals, like South Africans, have a duty to abide by the laws and regulations of the country. Anyone alleged to have committed a crime, irrespective of nationality, should be subject to the rule of law, with arrest and trial in a court of law. South Africa’s democracy depends on safeguarding the rights of all who live in our country, regardless of nationality.

Our strategy is to see border management within nearby countries work together and leverage off the technological advancement, and the Diplomatic Corps to have coordinated roles to address migration.

The SAHRC will continue to monitor the situation, engage stakeholders, and advocate for accountability and the protection of human rights.

Ends

ISSUED BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION