Recent reports of xenophobic tension in parts of South Africa, catalysed by a planned national shutdown and demonstration set for June 30, 2026 by the anti-migrant group “March and March”, have prompted local leaders to urge calm as community members express concern over incidents and rumours circulating on social media.
Municipal officials, law‑enforcement representatives and civil-society groups have called on residents not to take the law into their own hands, and stressed that violence and vigilantism will only worsen tensions and put vulnerable people at risk. Authorities say they are monitoring the situation, investigating any allegations, and working with community leaders to ensure protection and lawful responses while encouraging residents to report credible threats through official channels.
In efforts to preempt any unlawful action, de-escalate tensions and provide a platform for the community to raise concerns through lawful channels, an urgent community engagement was organised by Councillor Levael Davis and held in Smutsville last week. It was attended by Knysna Mayor Matika, Councillors Vanston and Davis, SAPS, Knysna municipal officials, Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), community representatives and community members.
Key concerns raised by the community included
The perceived increase in undocumented foreign nationals residing and working within Sedgefield and surrounding areas.
- The employment of perceived undocumented persons by local businesses and private households.
- The operation of allegedly non-compliant businesses, including spaza shops.
- Frustration regarding unemployment and the perceived impact of foreign nationals on local employment opportunities.
- Concerns that inadequate enforcement of immigration legislation by magistrate courts is contributing to escalating tensions.
Community members at the meeting indicated that while they did not support violence, there had been reports of some locals taking the law into their own hands and attempting to remove individuals they suspected of being undocumented who are leasing private properties. They called on authorities to take decisive action through lawful enforcement mechanisms.
SAPS members present reported ongoing enforcement operations and highlighted that 744 undocumented persons had been arrested within the Knysna policing area during the last financial year, and a further 226 had been arrested between January and May this year. Reportedly, Knysna SAPS had recorded the highest number of undocumented person arrests amongst the 21 stations in the Garden Route District.
A commitment was made by local authorities and SAPS to continue compliance and enforcement operations, including planned interventions within the Sedgefield area. It was further noted that coordination structures had been established to improve preparedness and enable a proactive response.
Meanwhile, on a national level, the Department of Home Affairs has reminded South Africans that it is illegal for ordinary members of the public to demand sight of anyone’s immigration documents, Identity Documents, permits, or passports.
According to Home Affairs, only authorised law enforcement officers and designated immigration officials have the legal authority to inspect a person’s documentation, and citizens who take the law into their own hands by stopping, questioning, or demanding documents from others could face criminal charges.
Home Affairs says anyone wishing to report suspected illegal activities or undocumented immigrants can do so anonymously by calling the department’s toll-free hotline: 0800 601 190.
