Al Jama-ah has formally requested a state of disaster declaration from President Cyril Ramaphosa, citing imminent threats to vulnerable communities. This appeal comes as the June 30 “deadline” for undocumented foreigners expires.
The letter, dated 29 June 2026, highlights severe humanitarian concerns. Honourable Ganief Hendricks serves as the Deputy Minister of Social Development, representing Al Jama-ah in the Government of National Unity.
“The matter is urgent in the strictest sense. The threat is not abstract, speculative, or remote. It is public, time-bound, organised, and directed at vulnerable persons within the Republic.”
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Constitutional duty to act
Hendricks emphasises the state’s constitutional obligation to protect citizens. “If the state has knowledge of a credible and imminent threat of this kind, it is under a constitutional duty to act,” he stated.
Reports from Cape Town describe horrific conditions for displaced persons. Hundreds of Zimbabwean nationals queued in heavy rain, many with young children wrapped in blankets against the cold. They feared losing their place in line for repatriation buses.
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Economic and social implications
The crisis affects millions of people nationwide. Hendricks warned that up to three million individuals could be impacted by deportation processes. Another million foreign nationals face uncertainty after the deadline. This mass displacement threatens South Africa’s economic stability.
A state of disaster declaration would unlock emergency resources that could be channelled towards humanitarian responses. He argues that current measures are insufficient to handle the scale of the crisis.
Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies have deployed thousands of officers. Police reported a quiet start to Tuesday morning protests. However, vigilance remains high across all identified hotspots.
Image credit: Al Jama-ah.
