South Africa’s law enforcement agencies have vowed to prevent a repeat of the devastating July 2021 unrest as the country prepares for planned nationwide demonstrations on 30 June.
Speaking at a joint media briefing in Centurion, Pretoria, Acting National Police Commissioner Puleng Dimpane said the South African Police Service (SAPS), together with private security firms and other law enforcement agencies, has finalised extensive operational plans to maintain peace and stability.
The demonstrations, expected to take place across the country, are being organised by groups calling for stricter enforcement of immigration laws and the removal of undocumented migrants from South Africa.
Dimpane said authorities have significantly strengthened coordination, intelligence gathering and response capabilities since the July 2021 unrest, which resulted in widespread looting, destruction of property and loss of life.
“We have learned important lessons from 2021 and are determined to ensure that history does not repeat itself. Operational plans have been finalised at national, provincial and local levels, and all relevant stakeholders are working together to maintain public order,” she said.
Organisers distance themselves from violence
Meanwhile, organisers behind the planned demonstrations have publicly rejected violence and criminal activity, insisting that the protests will remain peaceful.
Addressing the media in Johannesburg, representatives of several civil groups said their objective is to pressure government and businesses to comply with existing laws rather than incite unrest.
United South Africans representative Musa Hlongwa stressed that there would be no tolerance for violence, intimidation or looting during the demonstrations.
“No one will be violated, no one will be killed on 30 June, and no looting will take place in our name,” Hlongwa said.
With security forces on heightened alert and organisers pledging peaceful action, attention now turns to 30 June as authorities seek to balance the right to protest with the need to safeguard communities and businesses across the country.