Community leaders in George have called for calm after anti-immigrant protests raised fears of violence in the Garden Route town.
On 7 June, hundreds gathered at a meeting organised by Qina Mhlali in Thembalethu township outside George. The event followed concerns over rising anti-immigrant sentiment, with some attendees arriving armed and an immigrant chased during the heated session. Faith leaders from the Thembalethu Pastor’s Fraternal issued an open letter denouncing violence and organised talks with the mayor and other groups. They invited Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber to visit later in the month. Residents expressed worries about job losses and competition from foreign-owned businesses. Immigrants living in the area said they feared attacks and lacked funds to leave. Police dispersed a disruptive crowd and opened a public violence case but made no arrests. Organisers agreed to wait until 19 June before any further action.
