It’s the 30th of June and this is a special edition of News Bite, a fast, reliable update on the anti-illegal migration protests in South Africa.
In today’s episode, the unlawful 30 June deadline set by anti-migration protesters for undocumented migrants to leave South Africa has arrived. Groupings including March and March have called for a national shutdown. Major centres are calm so far, but government says it is leaving nothing to chance.
Tebello Mosikili, deputy national police commissioner and chair of NatJoints, explains the national law enforcement response, while the SANDF has been deployed to support police. Major General Joseph Tyhalisi warns that criminal behaviour and violence will not be tolerated.
The build-up has been tense. Mosikili says four people were arrested after March and March protesters entered the home of a Congolese family in Rosettenville, Johannesburg. She says hundreds of cases linked to anti-foreigner sentiment have been registered across provinces.
In Gauteng, police have deployed helicopters with cameras and drones to monitor protests. In Pretoria, a March and March gathering is underway, with provincial leader Sandile Dube expected to hand over migration demands to the mayor.
Across the country, eNCA’s Siphamandla Goge is tracking developments in Durban, while Eastern Cape Police Commissioner Vuyisile Ncata says officers are on high alert. In Cape Town, hundreds of Zimbabwean migrants are waiting to be processed for voluntary repatriation by bus.
Meanwhile, SANTACO says taxis are expected to operate normally despite the planned protests. President Motlhabane Tsebe says taxi services will continue.
The Border Management Authority says more than 25,000 people have been processed at South Africa’s ports of entry since government announced its Comprehensive Approach for Migration Management plan.
Looking beyond South Africa, Uganda has announced emergency plans to repatriate close to 750 citizens from South Africa. No flights have been confirmed yet, but eNCA correspondent Isabel Nakirya reports from Kampala that the national carrier is expected to be used for those who want to return.
SPORT
There is no sports update in this special edition, as News Bite stays with the developing 30 June anti-migration protests.
And finally, this is a moving story, so keep eNCA close today. For more, visit enca.com or watch eNCA on DStv Channel 403.