…Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation confirms no recorded incidents on June 30
BY THEMBA ZWANE
MBABANE – The Government of Eswatini says it has not received any reports of violence against Emaswati living in South Africa following Tuesday’s widely anticipated anti-illegal immigration demonstrations.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Communications Officer Sikhumbuzo Bhembe confirmed that, according to the latest update from the High Commission of the Kingdom of Eswatini in Pretoria, there were no incidents involving Emaswati recorded on June 30.
The update comes after weeks of concern over planned nationwide demonstrations in South Africa, where anti-illegal immigration groups had called for protests demanding stronger enforcement of immigration laws. South African authorities had deployed extensive security measures ahead of the demonstrations, while repeatedly warning that any violence, intimidation or attacks on foreign nationals would not be tolerated.
Bhembe said the High Commission had remained in close contact with relevant authorities throughout the day and had not received any reports indicating that Emaswati had been affected by the demonstrations.
The Consulate of the Kingdom of Eswatini in Johannesburg, which operates under the authority of the High Commission in Pretoria, also continued monitoring the situation and remained available to provide assistance should the need arise.
The ministry has nevertheless urged Emaswati residing, working, studying, visiting or travelling through South Africa to remain vigilant and maintain regular contact with Eswatini’s diplomatic missions.
In an earlier public advisory issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Government reminded citizens that safeguarding the welfare of Emaswati abroad remains one of its priorities.
The ministry encouraged citizens to seek assistance whenever they encounter emergencies or require consular support.
According to the advisory, the High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate in Johannesburg are equipped to assist Emaswati with a range of issues, including emergencies, travel documentation, welfare concerns and other consular services.
Members of the public were also advised to ensure that they have the relevant contact details of the diplomatic mission nearest to them and to promptly report any matter requiring official intervention.
Government further cautioned citizens against individuals or groups claiming to represent Eswatini or offering assistance outside officially recognised diplomatic channels.
The ministry warned that some people may falsely present themselves as representatives or spokespersons capable of resolving challenges faced by Emaswati in South Africa, urging citizens to instead deal directly with Government offices.
The advisory provided emergency contacts for officials stationed at both the High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate in Johannesburg to ensure assistance is readily available whenever required.
The reassurance from Eswatini’s diplomatic mission follows heightened anxiety in the build-up to June 30, when several organisations in South Africa mobilised demonstrations centred on illegal immigration. The planned protests prompted concerns among foreign nationals, neighbouring countries and regional observers because of fears that isolated incidents could escalate into xenophobic violence. South African Government, however, maintained that law enforcement agencies were fully prepared to protect everyone within the country’s borders, regardless of nationality or immigration status.
Following the demonstrations, South Africa reported that the protests were largely peaceful, with authorities commending demonstrators who exercised restraint while noting only isolated incidents of criminality, including attempted looting in some areas. Government reiterated that anyone responsible for violence or intimidation would face prosecution.
South Africa remains home to thousands of Emaswati, many of whom live there for employment, education, business and medical purposes. The close economic and social ties between the neighbouring countries mean developments affecting the movement and safety of foreign nationals are closely monitored by Eswatini authorities.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said it will continue monitoring developments in South Africa through its diplomatic missions and remains committed to protecting the welfare and interests of Emaswati wherever they may be.
For now, Government says the latest information from its High Commission in Pretoria provides reassurance that no cases of violence involving Emaswati were reported during the June 30 demonstrations, while encouraging citizens to remain alert and make use of official diplomatic channels should they require assistance.
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