South Africa withdraws asylum intake directive and reviews implementation

South Africa's Department of Home Affairs said on October 9 that it had withdrawn its September 28 directive on asylum applications. It plans to develop a new way to implement a Constitutional Court ruling.

The department said the director-general's office issued the directive as an operational measure without the involvement of the minister or other political office bearers. It rejected claims that the decision was politically motivated.

Home Affairs said implementation had overwhelmed Refugee Reception Offices, put officials at risk and created threats to public safety. It will reconsider how to comply with the ruling while keeping asylum services safe and sustainable.

Withdrawing the administrative directive does not overturn the Constitutional Court's decision. The department's official statement reaffirmed respect for the judiciary and its commitment to finding an appropriate method of compliance.

Amid tensions over immigration, SABC reported a police and South African National Defence Force presence in Soweto following clashes on October 8. At least 10 vehicles were torched or damaged, with reports of gunfire and looted shops. The broadcaster said the area was calm on the morning of October 9 under a heightened security presence.

Police also increased their presence around the Home Affairs office in Marabastad, Pretoria, ahead of an anticipated protest by March and March, which opposes the July court ruling on asylum applications.