Government has engaged the Zulu Kingdom and security officials ahead of planned 30 June protests, aiming to prevent unrest and ensure demonstrations linked to illegal immigration remain peaceful.
Image: Doctor Ngcobo / Independent Newspapers
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi and Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Thandi Moraka have met with the Prime Minister of the Zulu Kingdom, Inkosi Thulasizwe Buthelezi, to seek the support of traditional leadership in addressing concerns related to illegal immigration ahead of the planned 30 June shutdown.
The engagement took place in Durban on Sunday, where the ministers held discussions with the Zulu Kingdom leadership and members of the Royal House.
“The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, together with the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Thandi Moraka yesterday, 21 June 2026, met with the Prime Minister of the Zulu Kingdom, Inkosi Thulasizwe Buthelezi, as well as members of the Royal House in Durban,” the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said.
The government delegation included Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, NATJOINTS Chairperson Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, and Home Affairs Director-General Livhuwani Tommy Makhode.
GCIS said the purpose of the engagement was to encourage cooperation with traditional leadership ahead of the demonstrations, and to ensure that concerns related to illegal immigration are addressed through lawful and peaceful means.
It also said government requested the Royal House to play a role in condemning violence, intimidation, and any attacks directed at foreign nationals.
“The engagement was constructive and successful. The Royal House reaffirmed its commitment to peace, stability, and the rule of law, and undertook to encourage its followers to ensure that any demonstrations remain peaceful and within the confines of the law,” GCIS said.
“The Royal House also committed to discouraging acts of violence, intimidation, and criminality, while supporting efforts to preserve social cohesion and public order.”
Following the meeting, the delegation visited a repatriation centre in Durban where hundreds of Malawian nationals were being processed for return to Malawi.
GCIS said the purpose of the visit was to assess whether repatriation processes were being conducted in an orderly, efficient, safe, and humane manner, while ensuring compliance with legal and administrative procedures.
The Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster said it remained fully prepared ahead of the planned demonstrations, with operational plans in place to maintain public order and protect lives and property.
It urged members of the public to act responsibly during gatherings, warning against violence, intimidation, incitement, damage to property, and disruption of essential services, and called on communities to reject misinformation and allow law enforcement to carry out its constitutional mandate.
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