The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure of South Africa, referred to as NatJoints, has issued a final appeal for peace and stability as the country’s security forces intensify efforts to avert chaos ahead of the upcoming “30 June deadline” concerning ‘anti-foreigner mobilization’.
Protests are anticipated to heighten across multiple regions today, especially in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, which are expected to be the main centers of activity.
A heightened law enforcement presence has been deployed throughout all nine provinces.
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In a late-night media briefing on Monday, the security cluster reassured citizens that strong measures are in place to prevent a repeat of the unrest seen in July 2021, which led to over 350 deaths and an estimated R50 billion in damages.
“Contingency plans have been rigorously tested. There will be no security vacuum,” emphasized Deputy National Commissioner Tebello Mosikili, adding that it would be a “normal working day”.
“Anyone who crosses that line will face the full and immediate consequences of the law.”
Weekend Arrests
Mosikili revealed that four participants in the March and March protests were arrested over the weekend on charges including public violence and house robbery.
The suspects allegedly intruded into a home in Rosettenville, Johannesburg, disturbing a Congolese family residing there.
Since early March, over 100 incidents related to anti-foreigner sentiment have been recorded, resulting in 195 arrests, with KwaZulu-Natal reporting the highest incidence to date.
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Mosikili stated that critical infrastructure is undergoing enhanced protection, including national key points, transport routes, ports of entry, airports, healthcare facilities, shopping centers, and other strategic locations.
“There’s no need to worry. Law enforcement is in control and prepared,” concluded National Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe at the end of the media briefing.
The expanded security deployment is expected to cost around R600 million.
Insurance Industry Monitoring the Situation
South Africa’s state-owned special risk insurer, Sasria, is taking a cautious wait-and-see approach in light of the planned demonstrations, while security analysts hold varying views on the risk of xenophobic violence.
The protests stem from ongoing demands for the South African government to address issues linked to undocumented immigrants, which some advocacy groups argue are straining the country’s already limited resources.
As law enforcement remains vigilant to manage escalating tensions, it is unclear if the situation may devolve into violence and destruction, particularly in major business areas.
Read/listen: Businesses preparing security measures ahead of anti-foreigner protests
Sasria has reported no significant uptick in inquiries or policy uptake related to this matter, with business volumes remaining largely consistent with typical market activity.
“In terms of preparedness, we continuously assess our operational readiness as part of our standard business functions,” said the insurer’s executive manager for stakeholder management, Muzi Dladla, in a written statement to Moneyweb.
Dladla explained that Sasria does not commence preparations for isolated planned events but routinely evaluates its systems to ensure a swift response should insured events arise.
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“This includes intelligence sharing among the private sector, Sasria, and the government,” he added.
He refrained from commenting on security intelligence, speculating about potential outcomes, or pinpointing specific sectors or areas that might be affected by future events.
The insurer covers damages arising from public disorder, labor unrest, and terrorism—risks that private firms generally hesitate to insure against.
Sasria’s Lessons Learned
Following the riots of 2021, Sasria incurred around R32 billion in payouts and sought R22 billion from the government to fulfill its obligations.
Since then, Dladla noted that Sasria has significantly improved its financial resilience, risk management capabilities, and operational preparedness.
This includes sustained growth in its capital position, enhancements to its reinsurance arrangements, and advancements in operational and claims-handling processes.
“The events of July 2021 provided invaluable insights not only for Sasria but for the broader insurance sector. Since then, we’ve strengthened our operational, claims, and financial capabilities, enhanced coordination across the insurance value chain, and refined our underwriting, capital management, and risk assessment frameworks,” he stated.
“The key lesson is that resilience involves not just Sasria’s financial strength but also hinges on preparedness, collaboration, coordinated responses, and societal accountability.”
When asked about concerns regarding another significant civil unrest event potentially affecting Sasria’s reserves, investment portfolio, or necessitating additional government support, Dladla expressed hesitation to speculate on hypothetical situations, underlining that maintaining financial resilience is central to Sasria’s mission.
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He urged businesses, particularly retailers, logistics companies, and small enterprises, to ensure they understand their insurance coverage and to consult their insurer or broker for clarification on their policies.
Read: Freight companies gearing up for anti-migrant protests
“We always hope that public gatherings occur peacefully and within legal limits, avoiding disruptions to businesses, livelihoods, or communities,” Dladla stated.
Sasria Relaunches R500m Wrap Cover to Protect Businesses
Earlier this year, Sasria reintroduced its Wrap Cover, reinstating what it regards as a vital layer of insurance protection for large corporations facing increasing risks associated with civil disturbances, protests, strikes, public disorder, and terrorism.
Large enterprises, including manufacturers, retailers, and logistics providers, remain particularly vulnerable to threats from political violence and unrest.
The relaunched Wrap Cover enters the market nearly five years after its withdrawal due to the upheaval in July 2021, which fundamentally changed the landscape of global political violence insurance.
The renewed Wrap Cover features:
- Excess protection exceeding Sasria’s R500 million primary limit;
- A cap of R500 million, reduced from pre-2021 levels;
- Reinsurance arrangements that comply with prudential standards; and
- Dedicated corporate underwriting and improved governance oversight.
