The Afrika Mayibuye Movement in KwaZulu-Natal has expressed concerns over Premier Thami Ntuli's call for military deployment following recent protests in the region. The movement's provincial spokesperson, Mvelo Nsibande, issued a statement on Monday urging Ntuli to withdraw his request. Nsibande warned that using soldiers against peaceful demonstrators would be unacceptable. The protests had raised concerns about government accountability, immigration management, and community safety.
The movement criticised the handling of asylum applications by the department of home affairs, stating that the implementation of a directive allowing applications from undocumented people had overwhelmed reception offices. This had placed officials at risk, according to the movement. Home affairs had withdrawn the directive on October 9 after acknowledging that its offices were overwhelmed. The movement called for reforms to the asylum system, including stricter identity verification and individual assessments of claims.
The Afrika Mayibuye Movement emphasised that genuine refugees should be protected while immigration laws were enforced against those without a legal right to remain in South Africa. They maintained that asylum applications should be lodged at designated ports of entry by people genuinely seeking protection. The movement wants the government to take responsibility for administrative failures and ensure that court orders were implemented with proper planning, adequate staffing, and clear communication with the public.
The movement called on Ntuli to meet directly with protest organisers and affected communities to address concerns about immigration administration, corruption, crime, and the protection of livelihoods. They said these engagements should result in public commitments, clear deadlines, and co-ordinated action. This approach would help address the grievances that led to the protests.
The organisation stressed that violence, looting, and attacks on individuals should be investigated through lawful policing and individual accountability. They called on police to protect peaceful demonstrators and communities while acting impartially against anyone who commits a crime. The movement urged the government to prioritise dialogue and accountability over the use of force.
Nsibande reiterated that military force cannot substitute for political accountability. The movement's statement reflects concerns that the deployment of soldiers could escalate tensions and undermine the rights of peaceful demonstrators. The Afrika Mayibuye Movement's opposition to the military deployment highlights the need for a balanced approach to addressing the region's challenges.
The protests in KwaZulu-Natal highlighted the need for the government to engage with communities and address their concerns. The Afrika Mayibuye Movement's call for dialogue and accountability reflects a broader desire for constructive engagement and reform. The movement's proposals aim to promote a more effective and equitable approach to addressing the region's challenges.
Key points
- Military force cannot substitute for political accountability — Mvelo Nsibande, Afrika Mayibuye Movement provincial spokesperson
