Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has welcomed the withdrawal of an asylum directive, a reversal that came after vehicles were burned and violent protests erupted in Soweto.

The directive, which governed asylum matters, triggered unrest that saw cars set alight in the Johannesburg township. Authorities pulled the measure back as tensions escalated on the ground.

Lesufi publicly backed the withdrawal, signalling relief that the flashpoint directive no longer stands. The Soweto protests and car burnings had put the policy under intense pressure before the reversal.

Who is affected?

• Asylum seekers and refugees who fell under the directive's scope in South Africa
• Residents of Soweto and surrounding Gauteng communities affected by the violence
• Provincial and national authorities managing asylum administration and public order

What changed?

The asylum directive is withdrawn, meaning its provisions no longer apply as previously issued. Lesufi welcomed the move following the violent protests and vehicle burnings in Soweto that accompanied public anger over the directive.

Officials have not announced a replacement measure in connection with this withdrawal. Affected individuals should monitor announcements from the Department of Home Affairs for the authoritative text of any follow-up asylum rules. This article does not constitute legal advice; readers should consult official government sources for guidance on individual cases.