The government has cautioned against violence ahead of the 30 June deadline imposed on illegal immigrants by several pressure groups. The Presidency, security cluster ministers, police and the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) have called on frustrated South Africans not to take the law into their own hands.
Demonstrating groups have accused the government of ignoring the country’s immigration problem for many years, resulting in tensions, particularly in poor black communities where foreign nationals compete for limited opportunities with locals.
President Cyril Ramaphosa used his weekly newsletter on Monday to reiterate the government’s position, which is that while it supports and promotes the right to protest, unhappiness should be expressed in a manner that does not infringe on the rights of others.
“These concerns are real and they deserve to be heard. The right to protest is enshrined in our Constitution. It is a credit to our robust democratic order that people are able to express their grievances openly. But the right to protest and freedom of expression do not allow people to threaten or intimidate others, or to engage in acts of vandalism or violence. South Africa is a constitutional republic governed by the rule of law. The exercise of rights by any citizen in a constitutional democracy cannot be determined by intimidation, threats or ultimatums,” said the President.
The government is not leaving anything to chance, having deployed law enforcement agencies across the country to prevent the escalation of demonstrations into violence. Immigration interest groups have not taken kindly to the government’s response, arguing that the R600 million set aside for security on the day could instead be spent on securing the country’s borders.
“Those who intend to protest should do so peacefully, lawfully and with respect for the rights, dignity and safety of others. Where there is criminal conduct, those responsible will be held accountable and the law will take its course. We must reject the idea that acts of violence or intimidation are justified on the basis of a grievance, for political reasons, or because those who commit such acts claim they were somehow provoked,” Ramaphosa said.
While the government denies ever ignoring complaints about the influx of immigrants, it has, on the back of the current wave of protests, stepped up measures to rein in illegal immigration, including increased deportations.
“As of 27 June 2026, a total of 18,189 foreign nationals have been processed for repatriation and deportation,” said Deputy Government Spokesperson William Baloyi.
Baloyi said ahead of the demonstrations that all measures were being taken to avoid escalation.
“Law enforcement agencies, including the South African Police Service (SAPS), have been placed on high alert to prevent any unlawful activities and to ensure that public order is maintained,” said Baloyi.