According to a post on the WeChat public account “Chinese Embassy in South Africa” dated June 9, recently, there have been protests, demonstrations, and petitions against foreigners in several parts of South Africa. Some of these incidents have escalated into disturbances and acts of vandalism, resulting in casualties and property damage. Some Chinese businesses have also been affected. Local civil organizations are demanding that illegal immigrants leave South Africa by June 30, and they are planning protests. Analysts believe that such activities could continue to spread and intensify, potentially leading to serious violent and chaotic events.
South African President Ramaphosa recently stated that he will increase inspections and deportations of illegal immigrants, strengthen efforts to combat illegal employment, and impose more severe punishments such as imprisonment on employers who use illegal labor.
The Chinese Embassy in South Africa asks all Chinese citizens, businesses, and institutions in South Africa to operate in strict accordance with laws and regulations, and to pay great attention to preventing safety risks associated with the aforementioned activities.
1. Pay close attention to relevant situations. Keep informed of local safety and security warnings, the development of events, and public opinion. Do not travel through or to areas where security is poor or where there is a high concentration of people. Be cautious in your words and actions, and minimize unnecessary outings. If there are demonstrations or safety incidents, do not stay or watch; instead, take timely detours to avoid involvement.
II. Comprehensive improvement of security measures. Conduct safety inspections and hazard assessments in residences, business premises, and offices, and develop comprehensive security plans. Strengthen the deployment of security forces to enhance emergency response capabilities. Take necessary measures such as reducing business hours and office operations, suspending activities, and dispersing people to avoid conflicts before, during, and after protests and demonstrations.
III. Adhere to legal and compliant practices, especially in terms of legal employment, to avoid becoming a target for protest activities. Obtain legitimate work visas and work permits from South Africa, and keep identity documents properly stored. Strengthen the review of workers’ identities, and do not hire illegal workers. Handle employee relations properly to protect employees’ legal rights and interests. Conduct self-inspections and rectifications in areas such as labor protection, working conditions, salary payment, business qualifications, health and fire safety, food safety, etc., to ensure compliance with South African laws and regulations. It is reported that some Chinese citizens have been arrested for suspected illegal employment. If Chinese citizens are found to have violated South African labor laws, the Chinese government will impose administrative and legal penalties on the relevant individuals, including preventing them from leaving the Chinese border.
4. Always remember that ensuring personal safety is of utmost importance. In case of emergencies, respond calmly and rationally to avoid escalating conflicts. Ensure your own safety first, and report the situation to the local police in a timely manner. Also seek help from the embassies and consulates in South Africa, as well as community centers.
