Update by the WCG on public unrest in some parts of South Africa

There have been no incidents of looting in any region of the Western Cape today. The Western Cape Government, the SAPS, the City of Cape Town, and other law enforcement entities continue to work closely together to ensure that this calm is maintained.

As part of proactive planning by all security stakeholders, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is deploying a company of soldiers in the Western Cape. This deployment will support the South African Police Service (SAPS) in their ongoing efforts to maintain law and order. This proactive step is no cause for concern and is welcomed by the province during this unprecedented time.

Over the last two days, the Western Cape Government has met with business leaders and the consular corps, to provide an update on the security situation in the province. We are committed to ensuring that businesses continue to operate safely so that we save jobs.  Our Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, David Maynier, has also continued with his visits to businesses, to provide reassurance on the province’s plans to ensure safety.

Premier of the Western Cape, Alan Winde said: “I want to thank all our partners as well as every resident across the province for continuing to play their part in keeping the Western Cap safe. I know this is a very stressful time for South Africa, but I continue to urge you to remain calm and to respect the rule of law. We have so much still to do in our province, from recovering jobs lost during the pandemic, to ensuring we vaccinate our population. We cannot let this unrest throw us off our path. Let’s unite by staying calm and rejecting violence.”

Today, the Provincial Minister of Transport and Public Works, Daylin Mitchell and the Provincial Minister of Community Safety, Albert Fritz, met with the National Minister of Transport, Fikile Mbalula and taxi association leaders, as part of the Western Cape Government’s ongoing efforts to ensure a lasting resolution to the conflict between CATA and CODETA.

Minister Mitchell said: “We are continuing to engage with CATA and CODETA and are hopeful that we will reach a positive outcome today. It is my hope that this engagement will move us in the direction of lasting peace and stability in the industry. The citizens of the Western Cape deserve safe, reliable, dignified and affordable public transport and I will continue to do what I can to drive progress.”

Following the taxi-related shooting incident yesterday, SAPS in the Western Cape have put in place stop and search operations in Khayelitsha, and we welcome arrests made.

“Every single person responsible for this violence must be arrested and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. We cannot allow impunity for the murderous behaviour of a few in this industry,” said Minister Albert Fritz.

Premier Winde again calls on residents to avoid spreading fake news and or unverified information. If you have any information on potential criminal activity, please first report this to SAPS directly.

The following regional numbers can be called in the event of an emergency:

•          City of Cape Town - 107 or 021 480 7700 and 080 911 4357

•          Overberg - 028 425 1690

•          West Coast - 022 433 8700

•          Garden Route - 044 805 5071

•          Central Karoo – 023 449 8000

•          Cape Winelands – 021 886 9244 / 021 887 4446