GEORGE NEWS - Confusion and concern are rife following some claims circulating on social media that foreign nationals could be required to leave South Africa by specific dates, including today, Thursday 18 June, and Tuesday 30 June.
The latter date looms over South Africa - a date that no court has ordered, no statute has sanctioned and no organ of state has endorsed.
This so-called June 30 deadline was allegedly issued by an unknown private movement on social media, which went viral online.
The call, which gained traction across platforms, demanded that undocumented foreign nationals leave South Africa, although the group behind it has not been formally identified or verified.
The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that no such instruction has been issued and that immigration enforcement remains the exclusive responsibility of the state, carried out in terms of existing legislation.
Despite this, the rumours have gained traction in some communities, fuelled by social media posts and informal messaging channels.
A local business owner, who wishes to have his identity withheld, employs four foreign nationals and has expressed his concerns about the impact of these rumours on both workers and small businesses.
He asked the government and involved authorities to provide clear communication about these alleged deadlines, the legal processes and any plans relating to foreign nationals in our communities.
"Reports and community discussions suggesting foreign nationals could be forcibly removed from their homes as early as Thursday 18 June have created fear, confusion and growing tension. Clarity from the relevant authorities is urgently needed to prevent misunderstanding and potential conflict. Regardless of differing views on immigration, any action must happen through lawful processes and under the direction of the relevant government authorities. There can be no place for threats, intimidation, vigilantism or violence."
He asked all those involved to remain calm, to seek accurate information, and to allow the responsible authorities to carry out their duties.
In the meantime, Premier Alan Winde has expressed his serious concern over a potential escalation that could lead to social unrest, saying that several demonstrations are planned for the coming days.
"While we respect every resident's right to protest, this must be done within the confines of the law. We urge residents to stand against violence. Violence in any context is completely unacceptable. We have seen how this issue can escalate. We have already had unrest and demonstrations in the Mossel Bay, Overstrand and Cape Agulhas areas. We have taken decisive steps, including bolstering enforcement measures and contingency planning to avoid any further social unrest."
Winde and members of his Cabinet attended a joint operations centre (JOC) meeting led by the Provincial Disaster Management Centre to coordinate the Western Cape's response to rising tensions linked to illegal immigration.
The JOC brings together the police, the South African National Defence Force, the Department of Home Affairs, municipalities and other partners to identify potential flashpoints and defuse tensions through coordinated action.
The province's plan includes visible policing in hotspots, strengthened intelligence, proactive communication and rapid mediation, while the police continue to monitor social media activity.
Currently, George remains calm, with no reports of unrest or disruptions linked to the current tensions.
Attempts by anyone to enforce immigration demands could constitute vigilantism, which is a criminal offence. The police have urged communities to refrain from intimidation, harassment or spreading unverified claims that could inflame already sensitive conditions.
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