The Western Cape Government has intensified its preparedness for planned national protests, with Premier Alan Winde warning that anyone who resorts to violence will face the full might of the law.

Winde’s appeal followed a Joint Operations Centre (JOC) meeting convened by the Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) on Monday, where provincial departments, municipalities, the South African Police Service (SAPS), the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and other stakeholders met to coordinate the province’s response ahead of the demonstrations.

The Premier said authorities have strengthened inter-agency coordination and activated contingency plans to prevent unrest and safeguard communities.

“We have already seen tensions escalate. The Western Cape Government has responded decisively by enhancing inter-agency coordination and implementing contingency plans to help prevent any further social unrest. We remain committed to protecting the safety and wellbeing of all residents while upholding the rule of law,” Winde said.

While reaffirming residents’ constitutional right to protest, he stressed that demonstrations must remain peaceful.

“We fully respect every resident’s constitutional right to protest. However, this right must always be exercised peacefully and within the bounds of the law. I call on all residents to reject violence in all its forms. There is no justification for violence under any circumstances. This is not who we are as South Africans,” he said.

Winde also warned that unlawful behaviour would not be tolerated.

“Anyone acting outside of the law must be arrested and prosecuted,” he said.

The province’s International Relations Directorate remains in regular contact with foreign consulates as authorities continue to monitor developments. The Western Cape Government said emergency relief and assistance will continue where required while supporting the timely movement of individuals through the voluntary repatriation process.

Winde thanked emergency relief organisations, non-governmental organisations and the Provincial Disaster Management Centre for helping to ease tensions and coordinate the province’s proactive response.

The Western Cape Government has also appealed to undocumented individuals to take steps to regularise their status.