By: Xolani Khumalo
Parliament’s Police Committee Chairperson Ian Cameron has called on the Police Ministry to explain the allocation of R600 million for security measures ahead of next week’s anti-immigration protest.
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has defended the budget, saying the funding is necessary to ensure public safety, maintain law and order, and prevent any violence or damage to property during the planned demonstrations.
Authorities have identified KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Eastern Cape and Western Cape as provinces that could experience unrest or heightened tensions linked to the protest action.
Meanwhile, Tebogo Mashilompane, leader of the Forum for South Africa, has criticised the expenditure, describing it as unnecessary and wasteful. He argued that the funds could be better directed towards addressing pressing social and economic challenges facing communities across the country.
The planned protest has sparked debate over the balance between ensuring public safety and managing government spending, with calls for greater transparency regarding the security budget.
