South Africa’s political parties have rejected the planned 30 June shutdown by anti-illegal immigrant groups as the nation remains on high alert ahead of the planned June 30 protests against undocumented migrants.
Anti-illegal immigration groups, including March and March and Operation Dudula, have declared June 30 as the deadline for undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country.
The groups have staged demonstrations across the country in recent weeks, with some ending in violence and raising concerns about the safety of both migrants and local communities.
As the protests draw closer, major political parties have largely distanced themselves from the planned shutdown, urging South Africans to respect the rule of law and reject vigilantism.
What political parties are saying
The governing African National Congress (ANC) said while citizens have the right to raise grievances, these should be addressed through democratic processes rather than unlawful action.
Speaking on behalf of ANC First Deputy Secretary Nomvula Mokonyane during an online discussion hosted over the weekend, ANC NEC member Supra Mahumapelo said South Africa’s constitutional democracy provides mechanisms for resolving public concerns.
“This democracy that we have must be used by everybody who has a grievance to make sure those grievances are addressed within democratic value systems that are enshrined in our Constitution. Therefore, we do not support the breaking of the rule of law… and it is our hope that law enforcement agencies are ready to respond to those who will want to take advantage of the situation.”
The ANC’s coalition partner in the Government of National Unity, the Democratic Alliance (DA), echoed those concerns, warning that the shutdown risked deepening divisions within society.
Speaking during the same online event hosted by the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, DA Deputy Federal Chairperson Solly Malatsi urged South Africans to unite against what he described as attempts to normalise criminality under the guise of protest.
“It is very clear that these calls for a shutdown are dangerous. Opponents of stability, progress, peace and democracy are becoming louder and more visible. This calls on all of us who believe in our democracy to unite stronger, to push back against these attempts to divide our communities and normalise criminality masquerading as protest.”
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) adopted an even firmer stance, calling for the arrest of leaders of anti-illegal immigration groups, accusing them of inciting violence against African migrants.
EFF Head of International Relations and MP Nqobile Mhlongo said members of the groups had publicly threatened criminal acts and should be arrested before violence erupts.
“These people have declared that they are going to kill, they are going to do anything necessary to make sure that Africans leave… we say law enforcement agencies of South Africa ought to act and act immediately.”
Other political party positions
Not all political parties oppose the protests. ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba has publicly backed the anti-illegal immigration campaign, praising March and March during a protest in Johannesburg two months ago and offering his “unconditional support” for its activities.
Meanwhile, the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has rejected suggestions that it is linked to the planned shutdown. Responding to media reports connecting the party to the demonstrations, the MK Party said its founder, former President Jacob Zuma, has consistently called for peace, discipline and lawful political activism.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has also sought to ease tensions, meeting AmaZulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini as part of government’s consultations with key stakeholders on migration.
During the meeting, Ramaphosa stressed that enforcing immigration laws remains the state’s responsibility. Last Friday, he dismissed the so‑called June 30 deadline for foreigners to leave the country as unlawful.
Thousands of police deployed
Security agencies have meanwhile intensified preparations for Tuesday’s protests. A total of 6,000 police officers have been deployed across the province ahead of the expected demonstrations.
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia told officers during a police parade in KwaZulu-Natal that the deployment of the South African Police Service (SAPS) is intended to protect both protesters and the public, not to suppress lawful demonstrations.
“The public will judge not only the outcome of Tuesday’s operations, but also the manner in which you conduct yourselves. Your responsibility is not to bully; it is to protect. Your professionalism has the power to build confidence in policing and demonstrate that the rule of law remains the cornerstone of our democracy.”
In the Free State, Deputy Police Minister Cassel Mathale instructed officers to act decisively against undocumented migrants involved in criminal activity while ensuring that all lawful residents remain protected.
“Your role is to ensure that everybody who stays in the Republic of South Africa, whether that person is from other parts of the continent or the world, feels safe. It is only those who are here illegally and are undocumented who we must deal with decisively.”
