By Anita Dangazele
- Cachalia met private security bosses on Wednesday, calling the industry a “force multiplier” in support of SAPS ahead of planned demonstrations.
- The minister referenced the July 2021 unrest as a warning, saying developments around June 30 risk undermining South Africa’s stability and global standing.
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has brought private security companies into government’s preparations for the 30 June demonstrations. He wants their resources, their information and their boots on the ground alongside SAPS.
Cachalia met with private security industry representatives on Wednesday morning. He opened the meeting by acknowledging that immigration tensions had created pressure across the country, but said all stakeholders had a responsibility to keep South Africa stable and peaceful.
The minister pointed to the July 2021 unrest as a reference point. He said developments around June 30 have already involved conduct that could damage South Africa’s reputation in the region and globally. He did not name specific incidents.
Private security representatives said they had already begun preparations and were ready to support public safety efforts. They pledged cooperation with SAPS in ensuring any demonstrations on 30 June take place lawfully.
Cachalia closed the meeting with a quote from Sun Tzu.
“The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting,” he said, framing the principle as a case for prevention and preparation rather than confrontation.
Enhanced information sharing and coordinated planning between the public and private sectors were identified as the key priorities going forward.
This comes as more than 13,000 migrants have already left South Africa in the past five days ahead of the demonstrations, with thousands more still waiting in KwaZulu-Natal for repatriation transport.
Pictured above: Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has mobilised private security ahead of 30 June marches.
Image source: SAPS
