Accra:According to South African Government News Agency, the government has issued a warning to those using social media to incite violence, intimidate foreign nationals, or facilitate unlawful activities. This warning comes amid ongoing tensions regarding migration and asylum applications.
The Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Migration expressed concerns about the spread of inflammatory and misleading content on digital platforms, which could potentially provoke hostility against foreign nationals, public officials, and state institutions. IMC Chair Mmamoloko Kubayi emphasized that while freedom of expression is protected by the Constitution, incitement to violence, intimidation, and hate speech are not tolerated.
Law enforcement agencies are closely monitoring these developments and are prepared to take action against individuals or groups encouraging or engaging in violence and public disorder, either online or offline. Kubayi reminded the public that using digital platforms to incite criminal behavior may constitute a criminal offense and will be dealt with According to law.
The government's warning is in response to heightened public debate following the Constitutional Court's ruling on July 7, 2026, which found certain sections of the Refugees Act unconstitutional. The court's decision affects how asylum applications are processed, particularly concerning the requirement of a transit visa for asylum seekers. Discussions surrounding this judgment have led to uncertainty and tension in some communities.
The IMC has called for restraint from the public, civil society organizations, and political stakeholders while legal processes are resolved. It reiterated the constitutional right of South Africans to peacefully assemble and protest, while stressing that this right does not extend to acts of intimidation, looting, or violence.
The IMC acknowledged ongoing discussions with civil society organizations, which have provided feedback and proposals to address migration concerns. It welcomed these engagements as the government seeks solutions to issues arising from the Constitutional Court's judgment.
Additionally, the IMC affirmed that immigration law enforcement, including deportations, would continue as the government seeks legal guidance on implementing the court's decision. The committee emphasized that deportations would affect those unlawfully in the country who have not sought asylum or whose asylum claims have been rejected.
The government is pursuing a supervisory order from the courts to guide the implementation of the judgment and improve the administrative capacity for managing asylum applications. The IMC remains committed to keeping the public informed and urged reliance on official information to avoid misinformation and unnecessary panic.
