Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has welcomed the withdrawal of a controversial Home Affairs directive on asylum applications, saying the decision gives government an opportunity to review the legislation following violent protests in Soweto and Durban.
At least 10 cars were torched in Soweto on Thursday during clashes between South African citizens and foreign nationals over a Constitutional Court ruling on asylum applications.
Police remained on standby on Friday amid fears of further unrest, while army vehicles were spotted in the area earlier.
Image: Itumeleng English/ ANA Studio
Speaking to journalists on Khumalo Street in Orlando West, Lesufi said the withdrawal created room for consultation and legislative changes without undermining the court’s judgment.
“There must be no law that’s against its own people. There must be no law that will push an agenda,” he said.
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) withdrew the directive following the protests.
opened the way for asylum seekers to apply for asylum regardless of how they entered South Africa.
Lesufi said the court’s finding meant the relevant legislation needed to be addressed through established government processes, involving the department, Cabinet and Parliament.
“To me, it’s a relief on the basis that it gives us space to engage. It gives us opportunity to consult. It gives us an opportunity to evaluate,” the premier said.
Image: Itumeleng English/ ANA Studion
He said the withdrawal offered government a chance to remedy the situation while respecting the authority of the apex court.
“It’s a major relief, and it gives us that window of opportunity to rectify and remedy the situation, without necessarily undermining the Constitutional Court judgement,” he said.
Lesufi added that the objective should be to ensure laws protect the people they are intended to serve rather than disadvantage them.
The withdrawal comes against a backdrop of heightened tensions over asylum policy, with Thursday’s violence highlighting the volatility surrounding the issue.
The burned-out vehicles had been removed from Khumalo Street by Friday, although debris remained at the scene.
It remains unclear from the available information what further legislative or administrative steps the government will take following the withdrawal.
The ConCourt ruling remains central to the dispute, while the government faces the challenge of responding to public concerns without disregarding the legal framework governing asylum applications.
