JOINT STATEMENT: SAHRC, LANGEBERG MUNICIPALITY, SAPS AND OTHER PARTIES MEET TO FIND WAY FORWARD FROM PUBLIC UNREST IN NKQUBELA, ROBERTSON

On Sunday afternoon, 20 March 2022, a meeting was held between the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), Langeberg Municipality, South African Police Service (SAPS) and other parties of interest. This meeting, chaired by Reverend Chris Nissen, Western Cape Commissioner for the SAHRC, was convened to assess the situation in Nkqubela, Robertson and determine the path forward.

During the meeting, three main points were identified by the group.

1. Due to the unrest in Nkqubela many foreign nationals have been displaced with many of them seeking refuge outside the local SAPS office. Temporary accommodation needs to be identified for the displaced foreign nationals until a long-term solution is identified.

2. A lack of access to basic services for the displaced foreign nationals was also identified. The Mayor of Langeberg Municipality, Ald. SW van Eeden is to engage with the Premier of the Western Cape, Mr Alan Winde and the Department of Human Settlement (Western Cape) to assist with access to basic services.

3. The SAHRC in conjunction with Langeberg Municipality will host a summit to engage with local farmers and labour brokers.

It was determined that the following further meetings need to take place to find clarity and resolve the Nkqubela incident.

• The SAHRC and the local SAPS is scheduled to meet with the leadership of warring factions.
• The SAHRC to meet with the political parties and Councillors of Nkqubela.

The SAHRC thanked the community of Langeberg for coming together and assisting the displaced foreign nationals during this time of need.

The Commission and Langeberg Municipality appeal to the community to bear with us as we try to find a resolution to create stability and normality in the Nkqubela community.

ENDS.

JOINT MEDIA STATEMENT BY SAHRC AND LANGEBERG MUNICIPALITY

Media Enquiries:
Mr Khaya Dlulane(SAHRC)
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Mr. Willy-John Gordon (Langeberg Municipality)
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