Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has firmly dismissed claims of a planned national shutdown on 30 June, warning that while citizens have the constitutional right to protest, no one is permitted to take the law into their own hands.
Ntshavheni was addressing the media during a briefing on the outcomes of this week’s Cabinet meeting, where concerns around planned demonstrations against undocumented foreign nationals were raised.
Several civic organisations, including Insizwa Ngobunsizwa and the March and March Movement, have announced plans for nationwide protests at the end of the month. The groups say they are mobilising communities to demand stronger action against illegal immigration and related socio-economic challenges.
However, Ntshavheni stressed that any form of protest must be conducted within the confines of the law and warned against attempts to disrupt the country through an unlawful shutdown.
“South Africans have the right to protest and they can march as provided for by the Constitution, but South Africans have no right to take the law into their own hands,” she said.
She further emphasised government’s position on the matter, stating: “There is no one who is going to do a shutdown of this country, and we must be very clear about that.”
The Minister reiterated that law enforcement agencies remain responsible for maintaining public order and ensuring that demonstrations take place peacefully and in accordance with legal processes.
Government has repeatedly urged citizens to exercise their democratic rights responsibly while avoiding actions that could undermine public safety, economic activity or social cohesion.
The planned demonstrations come amid ongoing national debates around immigration, border management and the enforcement of South Africa’s immigration laws.