Threats of a national shutdown did not materialise in Stellenbosch on Tuesday 30 June.

The streets from Khayamandi to Cloetesville to the central business district (CBD) were quiet throughout the day.

On Monday (29 June), Stellenbosch police and the Stellenbosch Municipality confirmed there were no official protests taking place the following day.

The civil society group March and March, along with other organisations, have called for national demonstrations focused on illegal immigration and border control. The protestors called for all undocumented migrants to leave the country.

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Geared for action

On Tuesday morning, Stellenbosch Municipality confirmed that despite no planned protest, law enforcement officials remained on high alert.

“A Joint Operations Centre (JOC) was activated over the weekend, bringing together police, Law Enforcement, Traffic Services and Fire and Disaster Risk Management to coordinate preparedness and ensure public safety. Although no protest action is planned, members are deployed across the municipality on a 24-hour basis and an operational contingency plan remains in place,” a municipal statement confirmed.

“Business continues as usual and residents are encouraged to carry on with their normal daily activities. We thank the community for its cooperation and will continue to provide updates should any new information arise.”

Closed for business

In Cloetesville and Khayamandi, it was business as usual with children, home for the school holidays, playing in the streets and most businesses open for trade.

However, various tuck shops and small businesses were closed, apparently as a precautionary measure.

Despite calm in Stellenbosch’s CBD, various cellphone repair shops, takeaways and convenience stores were closed. However, big retailers remained open for trade.

By late afternoon police spokesperson Sergeant Madilyn Dombas confirmed all was quiet in Klapmuts as well.

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