Security is set to be intensified across the Overberg after Kleinmond, Gansbaai and the Cape Agulhas-Bredasdorp areas were flagged as potential protest hotspots ahead of the 30 June March and March demonstrations. This has raised concerns that the region could see the scenes of displacement that unfolded just weeks ago.
These areas have been identified, each with their own primary risks that the impending demonstrations could have on the areas.
In Kleinmond, the primary risks include community unrest, displacement, intimidation and property damage. Earlier in the month, a number of foreign nationals were displaced in Kleinmond following threats of intimidation and violence. Kleinmond town, Overstrand municipal area, central business district (CBD), township edges, community halls and the R44 access are high-risk areas.
Gansbaai is also a high risk area with the town, Masakhane area, Blompark surrounds, local business districts and R43 access expecting demonstrations. Businesses are set to be closed tomorrow as they face closures while intimidation, displacement and community unrest loom over the town.
In the Cape Agulhas and Bredasdorp anchor, intimidation, isolated property damage and unrest in the rural town may occur in the L’Agulhas municipal area, Bredasdorp and Struisbaai using the Bredasdorp as monitoring anchor.
Meanwhile, representatives of the Overstrand Municipality met with community respresentatives on Sunday 28 June. Executive mayor of the Overstrand Municipality, Archie Klaas confirmed that Zwelihle residents would not be participating in the planned nationwide March and March protests which will take place on 30 June, as discussed with the community leaders.
This after a peaceful march took place on Saturday 27 June. The march was led by the Land Party representatives and commenced in Zwelihle en-route to Hermanus town.
According to Dr Dean O’Neill, municipal manager of Overstrand Municipality, “the march primarily concerns local business employment practices relating to foreign nationals and the interpretation of an interdict involving a community leader”.
However, speaking at the march, leaders of the Land Party stated that “for [residents and non-authorised citizens] to chase away foreign nationals is not the solution to the problem that we have”.
“The solution that we need is to uproot the problem, because the problem is from the businesses who employ the foreign nationals. So as Land Party, we say 90% South Africans [and] 10% foreign nationals,” said one representative.
Another representative said that speaking to employees of foreign nationality would be unfair to them while speaking to their employers would be more beneficial to the cause and reason of the march.
The Overberg invites members of the public to report incidents of intimidation and/or violence at their nearest police station. Respective municipalities will put safety measures in place to ensure the protection and safety of all residents in the region.
Theewaterskloof Municipality also said in a statement that they are aware of public concern relating to possible protest action and community tensions linked to the reported 30 June deadline. “The municipality, together with SAPS and relevant stakeholders, has been monitoring the situation closely throughout the week and over the weekend. At this stage, the situation across the municipal area remains calm and under control,” they said.
According to them proactive engagements are ongoing to prevent escalation, promote stability and ensure that any concerns are addressed through the correct legal and stakeholder processes.
