Home Affairs Addresses Disinformation on Asylum Ruling Amid Protests

• •Home Affairs reports a disinformation campaign regarding asylum application processes.
• •Protests have escalated at refugee reception offices, particularly in Durban.
• •The IEC has been notified to address the spread of false claims ahead of elections.

The Department of Affairs has reported a disinformation campaign regarding a Constitutional Court ruling on asylum applications, which has led to protests at refugee reception offices. Allegations falsely claim that Minister Leon Schreiber or political parties decided to suspend 'good cause' interviews for asylum seekers. The department clarified that the changes are a direct result of a binding court judgment from July 7, which deemed certain provisions of the Refugees Act unconstitutional. Protests have erupted, particularly in Durban, where anti-immigration demonstrators confronted asylum seekers. The department has referred the disinformation to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) ahead of local elections, emphasizing the need to counter false claims that could incite violence. The protests are linked to the March and March movement, advocating for stricter immigration policies. The ongoing situation raises concerns about social stability and the treatment of both asylum seekers and undocumented South Africans.