Lesufi welcomes withdrawal of asylum directive after Soweto car burnings and violent protests

Gauteng Provincial Police Commissioner Tommy Mthombeni and Premier Panyaza Lesufi visited the scene in Orlando West in Soweto following a violent protest against asylum seekers ruling on Thursday.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has welcomed the withdrawal of a controversial Home Affairs directive on asylum applications, saying the decision gives government an opportunity to review the legislation following violent protests in Soweto and Durban.

At least 10 cars were torched in Soweto on Thursday during clashes between South African citizens and foreign nationals over a Constitutional Court ruling on asylum applications.

Police remained on standby on Friday amid fears of further unrest, while army vehicles were spotted in the area earlier.

Police vow arrests after 24 vehicles torched in Durban and Soweto protests.

Speaking to journalists on Khumalo Street in Orlando West, Lesufi said the withdrawal created room for consultation and legislative changes without undermining the court’s judgment.

“There must be no law that's against its own people. There must be no law that will push an agenda,” he said.

The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) withdrew the directive following the protests.

The directive had been issued after a Constitutional Court judgment in July that opened the way for asylum seekers to apply for asylum regardless of how they entered South Africa.

Lesufi said the court’s finding meant the relevant legislation needed to be addressed through established government processes, involving the department, Cabinet and Parliament.

“To me, it's a relief on the basis that it gives us space to engage. It gives us opportunity to consult. It gives us an opportunity to evaluate,” the premier said.

In Soweto, tensions also escalated amid clashes between South African residents and foreign nationals. Ten vehicles were set alight and shops looted.

He said the withdrawal offered government a chance to remedy the situation while respecting the authority of the apex court.

“It's a major relief, and it gives us that window of opportunity to rectify and remedy the situation, without necessarily undermining the Constitutional Court judgement,” he said.