Tshwane mayor meets with protest organisers
Tshwane Mayor Solly Msimanga has met with the organisers of the anti-immigrant protests in Pretoria.
City spokesperson Samkelo Mgobozi says Msimanga was assured that the protest will be peaceful.
"The Executive Mayor and consultation with the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) can confirm that the protest is presently peaceful and within the bounds of the law," says Mgobozi.
Mgobozi says the TMPD and the South African Police are on standby to ensure that the protest does not escalate and lead to the damaging of property.
"Anti-immigration sentiments have no place in our society. The issue of rising unemployment requires all our collective efforts to turn this tide around. Tshwane, like other urban centres around the globe is faced with an urgent need to address the increasing rate of urbanisation and create more work opportunities. This is in the main the reasons for the recent spate of xenophobic attacks and the anti-immigrants march- a contest over scarce resources. We commit to work with the private sector and make Tshwane a hub of new prospects for all," says Msimanga.
LIVE: Tshwane residents march against immigrants
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Safety, Councillor Derrick Kissoonduth, says they are happy with this promise by the organisers of a march that they will not target shops or vehicles.
Kissoonduth says the City is urging other protesters in other parts of the City to conduct their protests within the confines of the rule of law.
"Our responsibility, in collaboration with the SAPS, is to investigate all criminal cases brought to our attention and maintain law and order. Every criminal activity should be investigated on its merit, regardless of whether it is committed by a foreigner or a native South African. We call for calm and peaceful protest actions. Meanwhile, the City of Tshwane law enforcement officers and the SAPS will monitor the situation and arrest anyone found to be perpetuating criminality," says Kissoonduth.