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Government is concerned by the unwarranted destruction of public property and the provocative confrontation by asylum seekers towards members of the police that occurred outside Customs House on the Foreshore – a regional Home Affairs building in Cape Town.  Government condemns such actions as they breach both the spirit and letter of South African law.

Acting Director General of the Department of Communication, Donald Liphoko, said, “The violent outburst and reaction by the asylum seekers is in violation of the law and will not be tolerated. The South African government has policies and forums that are in place which afford asylum seekers the opportunity to raise concerns affecting them.”

“Our country is a signatory to United Nations conventions, including the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, and supports international efforts to protect and assist refugees and asylum-seekers, in particular by providing them with access to health facilities, schools and social services,” said Liphoko.

Asylum seekers must report to the Refugee Reception Office before a permit expires for a second interview which is conducted by a Refugee Status Determination Officer. In the event a case is rejected, an asylum seeker or refugee who believes that he has a well-founded fear of persecution may decide to appeal against the rejection decision of the RSDO to the Refugee Appeal Board in the prescribed manner within 30 days after the decision has been handed over.

“Government encourages continued dialogue to resolve such matters and remains committed to supporting and assisting those with valid reasons for seeking asylum in our country,” said Liphoko.

Issued by Department of Communications