PASSOP’s Director, Braam Hanekom, called on political leaders to stop uttering dangerous comments. “We strongly reject claims that strikes were started because of tensions between Sotho and Zimbabwean. These reckless remarks could provoke tensions and become a self-fulfilling prophecy if continually broadcasted by politicians,” he said.
He also called on the South African police to stop using immigration charges against striking workers, and cautioned the Department of Home Affairs, who have clearly failed to ensure that immigrants are documented, not to interfere in De Doorns until the dust settles.