“No Law Should Work Against Its Own People” Premier Panyaza Lesufi Welcomes Directive Withdrawal

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has welcomed the sudden withdrawal of a Home Affairs directive on asylum seekers, saying it gives government a chance to fix the situation properly. Speaking in Soweto on Friday morning while inspecting damage from overnight unrest, Lesufi said there must be no law that works against its own people and no law that pushes a hidden agenda.

The directive was issued on 28 September after a Constitutional Court judgment in July. That ruling said certain rules in the Refugees Act could not automatically block people from applying for asylum just because of how they entered the country or missed some paperwork deadlines. Home Affairs told refugee reception offices to start taking applications more openly so they could follow the court order. Within days the offices were overwhelmed. Officials reported risks to staff and growing threats to public order.

Protests broke out in Soweto and Durban on Thursday. Vehicles were set alight and shops were looted. Police are investigating cases of malicious damage to property, common assault and public violence. The South African National Defence Force and police were deployed in parts of Soweto after clashes between residents and foreign nationals. Lesufi visited the area with acting national police commissioner Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane and other senior officials to see the damage for himself.

Home Affairs Director-General Tommy Makhode withdrew the directive on Friday. The department said the instruction was an operational step taken by officials without the knowledge of the Minister. It added that the attempt to implement the court judgment immediately led to serious problems that could not have been foreseen. Refugee reception offices will now follow a fresh process while the department works out a safer and more practical way to meet the court order. The withdrawal does not cancel the Constitutional Court judgment, which remains in force.

Lesufi called the move a major relief. He said it opens a window for government to consult further and remedy the situation without ignoring the court ruling. At the same time, he stressed that any new approach must protect South Africans rather than leave them at a disadvantage. Community members who opposed the directive have said they want clearer controls on asylum applications and stronger action against illegal immigration. Home Affairs has not yet given a date for the new operational plan.

Source: https://x.com/Newzroom405/status/2108439353051770904

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