Key Takeaways
- DA leader Geordin Hill‑Lewis urged South Africans to reject hatred and violence ahead of planned anti‑migrant protests set for 30 June.
- He acknowledged genuine socioeconomic frustrations but warned against letting frustration turn into xenophobic attacks.
- Hill‑Lewis stressed that immigration enforcement must be carried out solely by the state—police and courts—not by vigilantes, politicians, or mobs.
- He pointed to reforms in the Department of Home Affairs under Leon Schreiber as a model of lawful, humane immigration management.
- The leader called for national unity, urging all levels of government to cooperate with SAPS to protect public spaces and uphold the rule of law.
Introduction and Call to Peace
DA leader Geordin Hill‑Lewis urged South Africans on Wednesday night to reject hatred and violence as the country braces for planned anti‑migrant protests set for Tuesday. He emphasized that while frustrations over unemployment and poverty are understandable, they must not be allowed to morph into hate‑filled actions against foreign nationals. Hill‑Lewis framed his appeal as a moral imperative, reminding citizens that the nation’s democratic transition showed that divisions can be resolved peacefully, and urged everyone to choose the better path.
Background of the Planned Anti‑Migrant Protests
Activist groups have declared 30 June as the deadline by which all undocumented migrants must leave South Africa, a date that has already sparked a wave of demonstrations. Participants have been seen carrying traditional weapons, and isolated vigilante killings have been reported, sowing fear among migrant communities. The looming deadline has triggered panic, with many foreigners hurriedly seeking transport out of cities such as Durban, while local businesses worry about possible disruptions. Hill‑Lewis noted that these actions are not spontaneous outrage but are being orchestrated by actors seeking to exploit public discontent for political gain.
Understanding Socio‑Economic Frustrations
Hill‑Lewis acknowledged that many South Africans are grappling with deep‑rooted hardships, including chronic unemployment, pervasive poverty, and a sense that the state has failed to deliver basic services. He said these pressures generate legitimate anger and frustration, especially among communities that feel left behind by economic stagnation. However, he cautioned that recognizing these grievances does not justify turning them into xenophobic violence, and urged citizens to channel their discontent toward demanding accountable governance rather than scapegoating vulnerable migrants. He stressed that sustainable solutions lie in job creation, skills development, and effective service delivery, not in attacks on those seeking refuge.
Rejection of Hatred and Violence – Direct Quote
In a forceful statement, Hill‑Lewis declared: “But I want to say this clearly tonight: Our frustration must never become hatred. And it must never become violence. We must never allow certain politicians or vigilantes to abuse the hardship caused by a failing economy to scapegoat and incite violence against foreign nationals to promote their own agendas. We are better than that.” He reiterated that the nation’s democratic legacy proves that disagreements can be settled through dialogue and the rule of law, not through mob justice or intimidation. He called on all South Africans to uphold the constitutional values of dignity, equality, and non‑discrimination, even amid economic strain.
Lessons from South Africa’s Democratic Transition
Drawing on the country’s historic peaceful transition from apartheid to democracy, Hill‑Lewis reminded listeners that South Africans have previously shown the capacity to overcome deep divisions without resorting to bloodshed. He described the populace as fundamentally generous and resilient, qualities that should guide the response to today’s challenges. By invoking this legacy, he aimed to inspire confidence that a peaceful, law‑abiding approach to immigration enforcement is both possible and patriotic. He urged citizens to reject the rhetoric of division and instead emulate the spirit of reconciliation that defined the nation’s birth, arguing that true patriotism lies in protecting every person’s rights under the constitution.
The Role of the State in Enforcing Immigration Law
Hill‑Lewis stressed that immigration control is the exclusive responsibility of the state, particularly the police and the broader criminal justice system. He argued that no individual, group, or politician may unilaterally set deadlines for who may reside in the country, demand papers on the street, threaten families, close shops, block roads, or loot businesses. Instead, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and prosecutors must apply the law uniformly, without fear or favor, ensuring that any enforcement respects human dignity while upholding national sovereignty. He warned that allowing vigilante justice to fill the void would erode public trust in institutions and destabilize society.
Root Causes and Reform Efforts in Home Affairs
The leader traced the current predicament to years of bad governance, systemic corruption, and a struggling economy that have weakened the rule of law. He pointed to the Department of Home Affairs, now led by DA member Leon Schreiber, as a concrete example of how institutional reform can rebuild trust. Schreiber’s agenda includes securing the immigration system, digitising outdated processes, combating fraud and corruption, and ensuring that those who are found to be in the country illegally are processed lawfully and, where required, deported while observing their inherent human dignity. He noted that early results show improved processing times and a reduction in fraudulent applications, signalling that reform is beginning to bear fruit.
Leadership Appeal for National Unity and Preparedness
Hill‑Lewis said he had personally reached out to President Cyril Ramaphosa to stress that all spheres of government must cooperate to maintain public safety and uphold the law. As Mayor of Cape Town, he instructed the city’s law‑enforcement services to be ready, visible, and firm, promising to work with SAPS to keep roads open, protect businesses, public transport, schools, and places of worship for everyone. He concluded by urging every national, provincial, and local government to adopt the same stance, so that South Africa can demonstrate that it is a serious country that deals with illegal immigration through lawful, humane, and orderly means.