South Africa Prepares for Anti‑Illegal Immigration Protests
What the Protests Are About
Anti‑illegal immigration groups, including the organisation March and March, have called for demonstrations on June 30. They say the rallies demand stricter enforcement of immigration rules and give undocumented foreigners a deadline to leave the country. Organisers stress that the focus is on people who are in South Africa without legal permission, not on all foreign nationals.
Government’s Security Response
Authorities have stepped up security across the country while urging everyone to stay calm. Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said police will enforce the rule of law and will not tolerate vigilantism, xenophobia, intimidation, or anyone trying to decide who may live in a community. Deployments aim to prevent violence through visible patrols, intelligence work, and early intervention.
Police and Private Security Coordination
On June 24, Cachalia met with private‑security representatives to improve information sharing, joint planning, and resource pooling. Similar talks were held with business leaders, the National Commissioner of Police, and organisations such as SANTACO, to make sure public and private security work together ahead of the protests.
Statements from Protest Leaders
March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese‑Zuma told media that the demonstrations would stay peaceful, with no violence, killings, or looting. She reiterated that the campaign targets illegal immigration only and that maintaining public order is the government’s responsibility.
Potential Flashpoints
Police have identified Gauteng, KwaZulu‑Natal, the Western Cape, and the Eastern Cape as areas where tensions could rise. In KwaZulu‑Natal, Premier Thami Ntuli warned community safety groups not to repeat the July 2021 unrest, noting the lasting damage to businesses and jobs.
Impact on Migrant Communities
Civil society groups say the rhetoric around the protests has already caused fear, intimidation, and displacement among refugees, asylum seekers, and documented foreigners. Organizations such as the Siyafana Sonke Action Campaign have met officials to raise concerns about rising xenophobic violence and forced removals.
Legal Actions and Arrests
By June 21, police had opened 89 criminal cases linked to public‑order incidents and incitement, up from 53 the week before. A total of 164 people have been arrested on charges including incitement to violence, breaking the Regulation of Gatherings Act, and related offences.
Expert Views
Political analyst Dr Ayabulela Dlakavu from the Wits School of Governance notes that South Africa’s mood mirrors a global rise in anti‑immigration sentiment, often fueled by economic insecurity and competition for scarce resources. He points out that while South Africa has laws on work permits, study visas, and travel, weak implementation—especially at porous borders—remains a key problem.
Civil Society Concerns
Labour federations Fedusa, Saftu, and Cosatu joined an online “Defend Democracy. Reject the Shutdown” rally, calling for respect for the rule of law and practical solutions to unemployment, crime, corruption, and poor service delivery.
Looking Ahead
As June 30 approaches, the government continues to appeal for calm, stresses that normal business should go on, and reminds citizens that no private group can demand documentation or block access to schools, clinics, hospitals, or businesses. Authorities say they will enforce the law and protect everyone’s constitutional rights, regardless of nationality.
